Last week, protesters set up tents on Karlstad University campus grounds and the protest is still ongoing. Similar demonstrations are taking place at several Swedish higher education institutions and the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF) has now released a statement about the situation.
In the statement, released on Tuesday 21 May 21, SUHF writes that the war between Israel and Hamas has stirred strong emotions and that Sweden’s higher education institutions are strongly committed to the importance of freedom of expression and academic freedom.
“Peaceful protests conducted in a legal manner are the right of every citizen, and students and staff at universities and university colleges also have the right to express their opinions.
Swedish universities and university colleges are not assigned , nor do they have the mandate, to be involved in foreign policy issues. This means that neither employees, students, nor interest groups can expect universities and university colleges, as employers or education providers, to manifest foreign policy views or take a stand on foreign policy issues. Academia must not be influenced by pressure from the outside.”
SUHF also writes that protests should be conducted with respect and consideration for all employees and students so that the activities of the universities and university colleges can continue without disruptions.
“The university does not accept any form of harassment of employees or students, or that their safety is jeopardised.”
The protest at Karlstad University began on Thursday 16 May. You can find an article about this and a comment by the vice-chancellor here:
- Protesters have set up tents at Karlstad University
- Words from our senior management: Protesters on campus
