Berlin Senator Defends University’s Right to Host Anti-AfD Conference
Berlin’s science senator, Ina Czyborra, has backed the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) for hosting a conference opposing the far-right AfD party. Her statement clarifies that universities must not act as 'politics-free zones' and should protect free expression. The decision sets a precedent for how other institutions handle similar events in the future.
The controversy began when TU Berlin permitted an anti-AfD conference on campus. Meanwhile, the Free University of Berlin (FU) and Humboldt University (HU) withdrew approval for comparable gatherings, raising concerns about political interference.
In 2025, Czyborra’s office reviewed an AfD complaint alleging TU Berlin had violated neutrality rules. Rather than restricting debate, she used the case to reinforce the principle that universities must remain spaces for open discourse. Her ruling supported TU Berlin’s president, Geraldine Rauch, confirming that the conference was lawful under freedom of expression protections. Czyborra had previously missed chances to clarify legal boundaries on university neutrality. Had she addressed the issue earlier, institutions might have been better prepared for AfD’s legal challenges. Now, her stance provides a framework for future decisions on political events at universities.
The senator’s position strengthens the case for academic autonomy in political discussions. TU Berlin’s decision to host the conference now stands as a reference point for other universities facing similar pressures. The ruling also limits the AfD’s ability to block events on neutrality grounds.
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