Press release
FH Potsdam included in the "Potsdam! shows its colours" campaign alliance
To coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law, Potsdam University of Applied Sciences was accepted into the alliance "Potsdam! bekennt Farbe" at the meeting on 23 May 2024. The municipal initiative, chaired by the Lord Mayor of the state capital of Potsdam, Mike Schubert, is committed to democracy, tolerance and cosmopolitanism and actively combats violence, right-wing extremism and misanthropy.
Prof Dr Eva Schmitt-Rodermund, President of the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, said on joining the alliance: "Especially in times that give rise to dissatisfaction and fear, it is essential to send a strong signal for democracy, solidarity and equal opportunities. Universities are places of open dialogue, tolerance and mutual appreciation. Joining the alliance Potsdam! bekennt Farbe was therefore an important concern for us, especially in the election year 2024. We clearly oppose right-wing populist and anti-democratic tendencies in order to maintain a cosmopolitan and future-oriented society."
About the alliance
"Potsdam! bekennt Farbe", currently with 58 members, is committed to a tolerant and open civil society. It actively opposes right-wing extremist, right-wing populist and misanthropic attacks and developments. The alliance is also a member of the state-wide "Aktionsbündnis Brandenburg gegen Gewalt, Rechtsextremismus und Rassismus" (Action Alliance Brandenburg against Violence, Right-Wing Extremism and Racism), which emphasises networking and cooperation at state level. The alliance welcomes new members from all areas of urban society who are committed to the alliance guidelines adopted in 2019.
Democratic commitment of Potsdam University of Applied Sciences
Joining the alliance follows a series of democratic actions and initiatives at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences. The AStA of Potsdam University of Applied Sciences has been a member of "Potsdam! bekennt Farbe." since 11 May 2023.
The Democracy Semester was recently launched: FHP lecturers and students are organising the 2024 summer semester under the motto #Democracy! In this themed semester, all members of the university are invited to actively engage with issues of democracy, diversity and openness in courses, research projects and workshops.
On 29 May 2024, a day of action for the Democracy Semester will take place on the campus of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. A series of action stands around the cafeteria will offer a variety of opportunities to engage critically and creatively with the upcoming elections and democracy. Numerous information materials will enable a dialogue-based and playful examination of basic concepts, fake news, information horizons and other questions of democracy.
What: Action day for the democracy semester
When: 29.05.2024, 11 am - 1.30 pm
Where: University of Applied Sciences campus, around the cafeteria
Further information on the alliance "Potsdam! bekennt Farbe ": https://www.potsdam.de/de/kategorie/das-buendnis-potsdam-bekennt-farbe
Information on the democracy semester: https://www.fh-potsdam.de/aktuelles-medien/themensemester-demokratie-2024
Contact
fhpbekenntfarbe@fh-potsdam.de