The presidents of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and the Saxony-Anhalt State Rectors’ Conference (LRK), Prof Dr Walter Rosenthal and Prof Dr Folker Roland, have issued a joint statement commenting on the result of yesterday’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt:
“The citizens of Saxony-Anhalt have elected a new state parliament. All elected members of parliament now have a responsibility to ensure that a government capable of governing is formed, based on democracy and the rule of law. Universities expect the future state government to be reliable and to set out a clear vision for higher education and research policy. Academic freedom, artistic freedom and university autonomy must be removed from the realm of day-to-day political debate. What is needed is the strategic further development of the region as a science and innovation hub, based on the concluded target agreements and the funding agreed therein. International students and researchers must continue to be able to feel confident that they are welcome in Saxony-Anhalt and protected from discrimination. Similarly, decisions on higher education and research policy must continue to be guided by academic quality.”
