In most cases, Freie Universität is not able to prepare for protests or other last-minute organized activities. The university receives no prior information regarding protests, flash mobs, and activities such as the occupation on December 14, 2023. Protests that take place in the vicinity of Freie Universität are registered with the police, not the university itself. As such, Freie Universität usually only learns of such events once they have already begun, through observations made by students or employees, or through social media.

Like other universities in Germany, Freie Universität Berlin is an open space used by more than 40,000 students and 4,600 employees. Creating any barrier or limitation to university members’ use of libraries, lecture halls, and other places of learning and exchange stands in direct opposition to a university’s purpose. Taking precautionary restrictive actions would be misguided and contrary to the principles of maintaining a culture of openness at the university.

Freie Universität Berlin does not have its own security service. University employees know what measures to take and who to contact in the event of protests on campus. Freie Universität has been working closely together with the relevant police unit to discuss appropriate measures for some time now.

Where possible, the university also sends a team to observe the situation in person and advise the university management on the next course of action. The members of this team are usually tasked with other administrative duties and are not qualified to make legal judgments or take measures independently.

(Last updated: January 8, 2024)