The United States is currently experiencing unstable political times. Since the Trump administration took office, the tone has become much harsher and even scientific institutions are suffering repression. So we want to be open about our perspective on current events and share a statement with you.
As the German Association of Doctoral Researchers (Bundesverband Promovierende e.V.), we stand in solidarity with all academics and researchers in the United States currently facing repression by the federal administration.
– Bundesverband Promovierende e.V., 23.April.2025
The recent attacks on the freedom of research and teaching are unprecedented in a country like the United States — long considered a stronghold for quality research and free speech. These developments reveal how swiftly liberties can be curtailed by authoritarian tendencies and a political will aimed at dismantling, intimidating, and endangering a globally respected academic landscape.
The targeting of individual scholars, such as at Tufts University, Columbia University, and many others, demonstrates the structural nature of this repression. We are deeply concerned by the extent to which universities appear to be yielding to political pressure, undermining their role as spaces of critical thought and academic freedom.
We call on institutions of higher education in the United States to resist such coercion and uphold the fundamental values of academic integrity and stand protectively in front of their students and researchers. We call upon German politicians and international organisations to stand up for free and open research in all countries, but especially within the United States right now. To all individuals currently under threat, we extend our full solidarity and heartfelt support.
