Further education college start the drive object increasing xenophobia

University member of the German Rectors' Conference, or HRK, launched a national initiative to counter xenophobia in Germany, in an atmosphere of crisis of refugees and steeply increasing number of cases of verbal and physical attacks, racial in recent months.

At its General Assembly in Kiel on the 10th November, the President Professor Horst Tippler HRK invited members of kunai to support the campaign and defend the fundamental university values ​​of openness, tolerance and diversity.

Despite the fact that the university towns affected by the issue to varying degrees, the university agreed to show solidarity against xenophobia and racism and to use initiative to highlight the position under the logo of "University of openness, tolerance and against xenophobia"

In a statement on its website, Kuna said: "Universities are open-minded place. Different opinions and international exchange form the basis of its research and teaching activities. In light of the increasing xenophobic tendencies that can be seen at the moment, the university is actively advocating this plurality of opinions and exchange. "

He said HRK universities as "future workshop of the world" are transnational and for yourself. "The university can only be sustainable if they behave and think internationally."

Germany is a welcome and sought-after destination for thousands of refugees making their way through Turkey and the Balkans into the European Union, mainly from Syria, but also from Afghanistan and other countries, but is struggling with the influx and expects at least 800,000 asylum applications by the end of this year .

Although there were scenes of local people lining cells and provide food and applause refugees coming into the country, the influx is causing pressure on resources and fears among some parts of the population, and there are right-wing protests and the increasing number of racial attacks.

By October, according to Reuters, 576 crimes involving the housing of refugees was reported this year, compared with 198 for all of last year. Incidents of this year included 46 actual or attempted arson, compared to six last year.

Before Professor Tippler warned that xenophobic verbal and physical attacks' impact on humanity and have a negative impact on science and society. "

EUA welcomes the initiative

At the meeting of the European University Association, or EUA, in October said: "We will do everything we can to stand up to xenophobic tendencies in Germany and Europe. University to promote and advance the openness and internationality. Traditionally, they are places of enlightened thinking where frank exchanges , a multitude of opinions and tolerance prevail. "

The German system of higher education has close links with other national systems of higher education. Kuna clearly stated in its international strategy openly and international campus and the international mobility of teachers and students, therefore, to provide the necessary foundation for the high quality of teaching, learning and research.

EUA fully welcomed the initiative and Kuna.

"Openness, tolerance and inclusiveness are fundamental university values ​​and diversity of opinion and free exchange of ideas the foundation of academic teaching and research," said EUA in a media statement.

EUA said European universities have a long tradition of welcoming international students, staff and researchers, as well as threatened scientists from around the world. Today, Europe faces major challenges with political, economic and social implications in the form of massive internal migration and the weakening of European solidarity.

EUA therefore called on universities and their communities to oppose any form of racism, discrimination and national stereotypes, unreserved commitment to open society, and encourage other social actors to do the same.

EUA President Rolf Terrace said: "European universities are the main source, transmitter and a repository of knowledge on our continent and this knowledge leaves no room for xenophobia and hatred.

"Instead of enabling us to support all efforts that aim to integrate those who are forced to leave their country by sharing with them its democratic values, rights and responsibilities."