In the light of the war in Gaza, questions about the university’s position, and calls for an academic boycott, the following provides a summary of the University of Gothenburg’s approach.
The university condemns the violence against civilians, and we have expressed this position multiple times in the past two years. What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. Israel is causing a humanitarian catastrophe, and civilian Palestinians and critical infrastructure are being systematically and indefensibly targeted. This evokes deep dismay and strong emotions, including within the university’s leadership.
The University of Gothenburg is committed to academic freedom, democracy, and human rights. We uphold these values primarily by supporting academic freedom and a diversity of perspectives—not by, as a government agency, taking political positions or acting on foreign policy issues. The university must remain independent of external pressures and serve as an open arena where researchers, teachers, and students contribute to knowledge-building and public debate based on their expertise.
Institutional impartiality can sometimes be perceived as insufficient, but it is precisely this stance that protects academic freedom and enables open dialogue in a democratic society. Many universities share this approach, which is also reflected in the conclusions of the so-called Kalven Report (University of Chicago, 1967).
Academic freedom means that researchers themselves choose their research topics and methods and determine which collaborations are scientifically relevant, within the framework of applicable laws. Collaborations should not be chosen—or avoided—based on a government’s political actions. Academic boycotts hinder the free exchange of knowledge.
However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to make independent ethical assessments, with the support provided by the University of Gothenburg. The university’s role is not to restrict research but to create good conditions for researchers to make well-founded and carefully considered decisions.
The University of Gothenburg strives to engage in responsible academic exchange, regardless of political systems. Questions and considerations regarding research collaboration are seldom simple and require a comprehensive assessment that takes many factors into account.
To support this, a new advisory function has been established for matters concerning international collaboration, and an internal expert pool is being developed where researchers and staff can contribute their expertise. This supplements the existing framework for responsible internationalisation.
When it comes to supporting academic freedom globally, the university continues its involvement in the Scholars at Risk network, as well as its assignment related to distance education in Gaza, coordinated by several of the university’s teachers.
The university’s mission is to conduct education and research, and it has a responsibility for the work and study environment of its staff and students. Together, we must contribute to and maintain an environment where different perspectives and voices are welcomed and respected.
Within our facilities, there is room for opinions and critical voices, but demonstrations and similar activities must not disrupt the university’s core activities or negatively affect the work or study environment. Harassment, threats, and hate speech are never acceptable. Anyone who experiences such behaviour should report it so the university can take action. Contact your department head, student union, student ombudsman, or occupational or student health services.
As an organisation, not taking an official stance does not mean that the university is silent. The university encompasses a wide range of views and opinions about what is happening in the world. Representatives of the university participate in the media almost daily, commenting from different perspectives.
Over the past year, in addition to responding to numerous questions by email and through the media, the university leadership has also held several meetings with students and staff to discuss and communicate the university’s position.
We welcome the engagement of individual staff members and students and their contributions to public discourse. The university will continue to actively defend the right of researchers, teachers, and students to express themselves freely.
Malin Broberg
Vice-Chancellor