Respect for different opinions and respectful tone of communication at Danish universities

We are all deeply affected by the tragic conflict currently unfolding in the Middle East. And our university communities are no exception. In recent days and weeks, we’ve been seeing message boards on university campuses used to communicate messages about the conflict.

People have strong feelings about this situation, and everyone has a right to express themselves publicly within the limits of the law. But at the same time, everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a climate of communication and behaviour characterised by respect and decency. Including when controversial topics are being discussed.

Harassing, intimidating and threatening people we disagree with is never acceptable, and we condemn such behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Our universities must be safe, secure places to work and study for all. Including for people we might disagree with. We reject all forms of anti-Semitism unconditionally, as we reject all forms of hate speech denigrating individuals or groups on the basis of their faith, race, and ethnic or national background.

At the same time, we are committed to safeguarding freedom of expression and the individual’s right to exercise that freedom. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Denmark. And this means that students and staff at Danish universities may be confronted by points of view, images or graphics that may offend them. We expect all members of our university communities to respect everyone’s right to express themselves – as long as they express themselves within the limits of the law.

We insist on respectful behaviour and respectful communication at our universities, even when we disagree. If you experience harassment, intimidation, threats or other unacceptable behaviour, we encourage you to report this to the management. 

Jens Ringsmose,
Rector

Helle Waagepetersen,
Pro-Rector

We are all deeply affected by the dreadful conflict currently unfolding in the Middle East. This can be seen and felt in the Danish universities. In recent days and weeks, the notice boards at a number of universities have been used to post political messages addressing the conflict.

The conflict has provoked strong emotions, and everyone has the right to express themselves within the limits of the law. But everyone also has a responsibility to conduct themselves with decency and maintain a respectful tone at the universities. Even when discussing difficult topics.

We do not accept harassment, intimidation and threats against others with whom you disagree. Our universities must be safe, secure places to work and study for all. Even for those you disagree with. We reject any form of anti-Semitism in the same way that we reject all forms of hate speech that denigrate individuals or groups on the basis of their faith, race and ethnic or national background.

At the same time, we uphold freedom of expression and the individual’s right to exercise that freedom. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Denmark. This means that students and staff at Danish universities may be confronted by points of view, images or graphics that may offend them. We expect all members of our university communities to respect everyone’s right to express themselves – as long as they do so within the limits of the law.

We insist on respectful behaviour and communication at our universities, even when we disagree. If you experience harassment, intimidation, threats or other unacceptable behaviour, we encourage you to report this to the management. 

Jens Ringsmose,
Rector

Helle Waagepetersen,
Pro-Rector

Thomas Buchvald Vind,
University Director

Thomas B. Vind,
University Director