The student plenary assembly has called on Leipzig University to consistently defend itself against the rise of right-wing extremism. "We believe that the university has a responsibility to protect students and staff from right-wing violence, discrimination and unequal treatment," said the body in a resolution in light of the rise of the AfD in recent years and most recently during the state elections.
The university should exclude any form of cooperation with members of the AfD or other right-wing extremist groups and expressly distance itself from student associations that exhibit right-wing extremist tendencies, according to one of the demands. Among other things, the AfD would prefer to cut Bafög rates and introduce higher fees for foreign students, explained the left-wing university group Studis gegen Rechts.
The rectorate is also being called upon to strengthen student committees and to campaign for a parent-independent basic income, capped health insurance contributions and equal rights for foreign students. The student body also advocates protecting spaces for critical student education and discourse, as well as allowing controversial social issues the space for discussion and protest. The police and military should be excluded from events and the university should restrict its research to civilian purposes and disclose third-party funding.
