We, as Studis Gegen Rechts, stand for democracy, diversity and humanity. The worldwide shift to the political right and the lack of solidarity in our society is what worries us deeply. Because of this, we actively encourage social exchange on all democratic platforms. For us students, the universities of Freiburg play a key role and must live up to their responsibility to support and promote democracy. We take a firm stand against all forms of racism and right wing ideology in Germany and explicitly at our Campus.
Consequently, it is only logical to reject the AfD (Alternative for Germany) and every other right-wing extremist ideology. Especially since Correctiv, a nonprofit organization who focuses on investigative journalism, uncovered their inhumane agenda, their intentions are more than clear. Even though they are officially classified as a nationwide right-wing extremist suspect case by the Verfassungsschutz (German domestic intelligence services), their poll ratings continue to be on a record high. Their positioning is being increasingly normalized and attacks on politicians and activists show how the societal atmosphere is being filled with hate. This is directly followed by racism and hateful treatment of immigrants, which reflects in Germany’s migration policy. On an international level, we see and condemn right-wing regimes and human rights violations. We are concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian crisis on the European external borders, which has now been set on a right-wing course thanks to the European asylum policy. With regard to the war in Gaza, we stand in solidarity with all civilian victims of Netanyahu’s government and Hamas.
We feel responsible to act against racism, anti muslim racism, antisemitism, ableism, queerphobia, sexism and other intersectional forms of discrimination with our projects.
As students, we have to fight any form of right-wing Ideology in Freiburg, so as to actively shape our environment to be a more democratic and humane space. For this purpose, it is essential to pursue a broader alliance that includes and represents the students of our universities. We demand that antidemocratic players have no room in our universities and to make the right-wing shift more noticeable, we call out anything or anyone that classifies as such. Universities should be an inclusive place where people of all identities feel welcome – this requires effective protection of minorities and opportunities for participation and exchange. We’re not going to get everything right and we’re aware of that, which is why we promote an appreciative, open and inclusive atmosphere in our meetings and events. What issues we focus on can change over time, depending on the current political situation.
We see a diverse and open University as a space, where no right-wing rhetoric has its place, because it further contributes to discrimination and the division of our society.
That is what we stand for!