A clear sign of freedom, democracy and tolerance
Joint statement by JLU, THM and Studierendenwerk Giessen on the events of the last weekend of November 2025.
Showing the World the Real and Colourful Giessen
29 October 2025
According to law, universities are committed to the nurturing and development of the sciences and arts, as well as to the realisation of the right to education through research, artistic creation, teaching, study, and further education in a free, democratic, and social constitutional state. This constitutional state is therefore the essential foundation for the work of Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) and Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) in research, teaching, and transfer. The Studierendenwerk Giessen, as part of the academic community, also operates on this constitutional basis and, through its social and supportive services, contributes to achieving equal opportunities and to coexistence in a diverse and democratic society.
We observe with concern that at the end of November, our tolerant and cosmopolitan university city will be the venue for the founding of a new party youth organisation whose predecessor was classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist group, which led to its self-dissolution.
Giessen did not choose this event. In our constitutional state, this event can take place within the bounds of the law. Democracy can be demanding, and what it repeatedly asks of us in the name of freedom is particularly evident in moments like these.
However, on the last weekend of November, we have the opportunity to show the world the real and colourful Giessen. We therefore encourage the students and employees of JLU, THM, and the Studierendenwerk, as well as all citizens of Giessen, to send a peaceful signal on these days for freedom, democracy, tolerance, and openness to the world.