The State Rectors' Conferences (LRK) of the universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of art and music in North Rhine-Westphalia see the increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents at NRW universities as a serious challenge for academic cooperation. In a joint declaration, they condemn anti-Semitic attacks of all kinds.
According to the annual report "Antisemitic Incidents in North Rhine-Westphalia 2024" published by the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS) at the end of May 2025, the number of antisemitic incidents at universities in NRW rose significantly from 25 in the previous year to 79 in 2024. Against this backdrop, the state's universities once again expressly express their solidarity with all Jewish students and employees.
"Our universities stand firmly against all forms of anti-Semitism and discrimination. We condemn any attacks on students, staff or members of our universities and stand for a culture of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding," explained Prof. Dr. Bernd Kriegesmann, spokesperson for the LRK of the universities of applied sciences, in the joint statement.
Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel, Rector of Fachhochschule Dortmund, adds: "Universities are places of critical discourse, dialog and scientific and social debate. I am grateful that we at Fachhochschule Dortmund have succeeded in conducting objective debates. At the same time, we are expanding our expertise to counter discrimination and anti-Semitism." Among other things, a central contact person for discrimination issues and diversity has been appointed at Fachhochschule Dortmund. The university is also part of the Competence Network for University Anti-Semitism Prevention (KoNHAP). The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and aims to counter Israel-related anti-Semitism through further education.
Intolerance and exclusion in no way acceptable
In the joint statement on the occasion of the RIAS report, Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels, spokesperson for the LRK of the universities, stated:
"The latest figures are worrying - and in no way acceptable. Together, we are doing everything we can to ensure that universities and higher education institutions as a whole remain discrimination-free places of respectful discourse and peaceful coexistence. Anyone who attempts to disrupt academic life through intolerance, hatred, exclusion and violence will continue to meet with our resolute resistance - with all the legal and institutional means at our disposal."
Prof. Dr. Thomas Grosse, spokesperson for the State Rectors' Conference of Universities of Art and Music, emphasized:
"The protection of all university members, including from racist and anti-Semitic incidents, deserves the highest priority. As places of international exchange and lively dialog, universities of art and music see it as a central task to strengthen diversity at universities in everyday artistic and academic practice and to communicate this attitude to society."