German authorities fired a deputy minister who launched an investigation into whether financial support for academics who defended students protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza should be cut.
Education and Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger announced on Sunday the dismissal of Sabina Doring, the deputy minister responsible for higher education.
Watzinger emphasised that launching an investigation into cuts in financial support for academics was contrary to the principles of academic freedom.
In May of this year, a group of university lecturers wrote an open letter regarding the protest camps at universities. This is a legitimate part of debate and freedom of thought. Having a different opinion is equally natural.
It reaffirmed the high value of academic freedom and its legitimate protection by constitutional law.
I defend academic freedom in all its aspects. Funding for science is based on scientific criteria, not political ideology. This is a fundamental principle of academic freedom.
A German government spokesman declined to comment on reports of funding cuts to professors who supported pro-Palestinian student demonstrations.
