A procedure where organisers inform in advance about manifestations replaces Chalmers' statement of not allowing political manifestations on campus.
“We see and hear that the decision not to allow political manifestations has created strong reactions and aroused emotions,” says Chalmers President and CEO Martin Nilsson Jacobi. “I think that engagement is fundamentally very important – students, researchers and teachers want to have an open mind, a campus open for discussions and where different opinions and thoughts can be expressed and tested against each other. That is a self-evident basic principle for me personally as well. Our challenge is, at the same time, to ensure a safe study and work environment.”
The decision means that Chalmers will return to the practice that previously applied, where the ambition was to have a dialogue with organisers before events and manifestations. This has happened in most cases, but not always. The university and the student union will now jointly develop the process to ensure that a dialogue always takes place. The reason is that Chalmers needs to be able to offer a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Chalmers' decision not to allow political manifestations on campus was prompted by a series of events in recent weeks, events that the university considers serious.
“We acted based on an analysis of the then prevailing, escalating situation. Actions and activities were carried out on campus, in ways that made employees and students feel strongly uncomfortable and worried, and we felt that we had to act to ensure safety and the work environment. But we should have been clearer that the intention was to withdraw the statement as soon as the situation allowed,” says Martin Nilsson Jacobi.
The new position, which comes into effect immediately, means that Chalmers' statement of not allowing political manifestations on campus has been revoked.