This decision was based on safety concerns due to the increasingly polemic situation surrounding the event. There were public calls to participate in the event from groups that had previously called to occupy Freie Universität Berlin or who had welcomed attacks on Freie Universität employees, such as the attack on the Präsidium building on October 17, 2024. There were also indications that counterprotests were a possibility. Previous experiences at Freie Universität and other universities led to concerns that the event would not be able to be held in the spirit of academic exchange. There were serious concerns that the situation could escalate into a confrontation – either before the event had even taken place or during the event itself. At the same time, the safety of university members participating in regular teaching activities and examinations could not be guaranteed.