The Berlin Senate has proposed a change to the Higher Education Act that would allow universities in the city to expel students for serious offenses. This comes in response to an attack on a Jewish student by a fellow student at the Freie Universität two months ago. Under the current law, the harshest penalty that can be imposed is a three-month ban from campus. The reintroduction of the option for permanent expulsion is aimed at ensuring a safe and discrimination-free environment at universities.
The amendment to the Higher Education Act includes the reintroduction of disciplinary measures at universities, ranging from a warning to expulsion, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. The goal is to create a campus environment free from violence and fear, and to protect members and affiliates of the universities from attacks and discrimination. The change in the law is seen as a step towards making universities safe and inclusive spaces. Berlin is currently the only state in Germany without the option for permanent expulsion of students.
According to Senator Ina Czyborra, expulsion will only be considered for violent crimes, and only after the individual has been convicted by a court. However, there is an exception to this rule: if a suspect continues to commit violent acts after being accused of a serious offense that could result in expulsion, they can be permanently banned from the university even before a court decision. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that individuals who pose a threat to the safety of others on campus can be removed to prevent further harm.
The decision to reintroduce the option for permanent expulsion of students comes after a recent attack on a Jewish student in Berlin, which caused outrage and sparked discussions about safety measures at universities. The amendment to the Higher Education Act will be further discussed and finalized in the Berlin House of Representatives before it is officially passed. The goal is to create a system that protects students and staff from violence, harassment, and discrimination, and ensures that universities are safe and inclusive environments for all.
The change in the law has received support from various politicians, including Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner, who emphasized the importance of creating a violence-free and discrimination-free environment at universities. The new disciplinary measures are aimed at deterring individuals from committing violent acts and ensuring that those who pose a threat to the safety and well-being of others are removed from the university community. The amendment is seen as a positive step towards improving safety and inclusivity on campus and protecting students and staff from harm.
Overall, the proposed amendment to the Higher Education Act in Berlin is a response to a recent attack on a Jewish student and aims to increase safety measures at universities. The reintroduction of disciplinary measures, including the option for permanent expulsion of students, is intended to create a safe and discrimination-free environment on campus. The change in the law is supported by politicians and aims to protect students and staff from violence, harassment, and discrimination, and ensure that universities are safe and inclusive spaces for all.
