Berlin’s Charité Hospital Suspends Muslim Student Group Over Gender Segregation Claims
Berlin’s Charité hospital and medical school has suspended the Medislam Collective, a Muslim student group, from hosting events while an investigation takes place. The move comes after reports that a recent gathering organized by the group segregated attendees by gender. Officials have stressed that such practices conflict with the institution’s commitment to equality.
The controversy began when allegations surfaced about gender segregation at a Medislim Collective event. Charité confirmed that the gathering was not part of any official academic program or university course. In response, the hospital and medical school issued a temporary ban, pending a full review.
The issue has sparked wider debate. Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) demanded a prompt investigation, stating that gender segregation should never occur in higher education. Meanwhile, virologist Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a professor at Hamburg’s Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, described the situation as a ‘political problem’. Writing in Die Welt, he warned that religious influence could undermine secular academic institutions. Schmidt-Chanasit argued that medicine relies on collaboration and equal treatment. He called for firm action to protect university principles while encouraging dialogue with Muslim students about shared academic values. Charité reinforced this stance, declaring that gender segregation directly opposes its core belief in equal treatment for all. The dispute extends beyond Berlin. Kiel University recently faced criticism after a local Islamic student association held an event with separate seating for men and women. Charité has not ruled out further measures against the Medislim Collective once the investigation concludes.
The temporary ban remains in place while Charité examines the incident. The outcome will determine whether additional steps are taken against the student group. Authorities have made clear that upholding secular and egalitarian values in education remains a priority.
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