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Science in conflict: Anti-Semitism and freedom of expression in focus
The Bucerius Law School is launching the “Campus Dialogues” on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, with discussions on academic freedom and anti-Semitism.
Science in conflict: Anti-Semitism and freedom of expression in focus
On March 10, 2025, the “Bucerius Campus Dialogues” event series began at Bucerius Law School, which was organized to mark the university’s 25th anniversary. The opening, which was organized by Bucerius Law School's Studium generale, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on current social issues, including academic freedom, anti-Semitism at universities and the federal government's excellence strategy. Prof. Michael Grünberger, President of Bucerius Law School, and Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor of Hamburg and Senator for Science, led the dialogue.
In their contributions, Grünberger and Fegebank discussed the challenges that political pressure and social polarization pose for universities. A central issue was the ongoing debate about anti-Semitism and the current Bundestag resolution that deals with the topic. This resolution is seen as a response to growing anti-Semitic discourse in schools and universities and calls for a clear stance by educational institutions against anti-Semitic narratives. However, the question arises to what extent these interventions could endanger academic freedom Jewish General upozornet.
Data and trust in science
Grünberger also presented survey data that illustrates trust in science: While in Germany only 9% of the population trusts science, in the USA the figure is already 23%. He attributed the increased skepticism in the USA primarily to the corona pandemic and the associated political polarization. Fegebank emphasized that this formation of mistrust is anchored in American society and that universities should be viewed as both places of science and social actors.
Particularly noteworthy is the responsibility of universities to ensure both academic freedom and protection against discrimination. The discussion centered on the need for a clear distinction between freedom of expression and protection from discrimination. Grünenberger pointed out that universities are increasingly being asked to critically address anti-Semitism without preventing legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. This dual challenge is met by the Berlin politics closely observed.
Prevention and reflection
The Bundestag resolution not only represents a reaction mechanism to growing anti-Semitism, but also raises important questions about the limits of what can be said. Critics warn that such standards could restrict academic freedom. Universities face the challenge of functioning as spaces for nuanced perspectives without crossing normative boundaries that could unnecessarily narrow debates.
Prof. Manuel J. Hartung, CEO of ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS, warned that universities must play an important role in combating disinformation. However, this also requires critical reflection on one's own teaching content and the methods of imparting knowledge. The Jewish General emphasizes that universities must regularly deal with the changeability of anti-Semitic phenomena in order to function both as educational institutions and as protective spaces for young Jews.
Overall, the “Bucerius Campus Dialogues” are a step in the right direction to promote the urgently needed discussions between science, politics and society. In the future, the series of events will continue to represent highlights of knowledge transfer and social dialogue in Hamburg.