To AStA, the General Student Committee of Heidelberg University:
The Pro-Life Heidelberg Group intentions, as outlined in their statutes, revolve around promoting respectful, factual and peaceful discussions about the value of unborn life. Also to give the resources to those women who find themselves in a pregnancy crisis.
Denying the group accreditation and accusing it of being misogynistic is a first of all a complete absurdity and secondly undermines the principles of open discourse and intellectual diversity that the university prides itself on.
We request the admission of the Pro-Life Heidelberg Group, as they can contribute to shedding light on the taboo topic of abortion, providing support to women in crisis pregnancies, and raising awareness of the potential risks that abortion may pose to women’s health, in a university context.
To AStA, the General Student Committee of Heidelberg University:
It is essential to recognize that what unites us all, regardless of our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, is our shared humanity. From this fundamental premise, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and understanding. Within this context, we would like to shed light on the situation surrounding the Pro-Life Heidelberg Group:
What happened:
October 2022: 9 students founded the group, and started their activities.
April 2023: Students applied for recognition as a university group.
May 2023: A prompt rejection came from the Ref Konf. They stated, “Good morning, the Ref Konf (the executive body of the constituted student body) has discussed your registration and has come to the consensus to refuse your inclusion on the list due to clearly misogynistic activity in terms of the incompatibility resolution of the student council.”
June 2023: The group leader applied for the Ref Konf’s decision to be revoked.
July 2023: A legally binding decision quickly arrived, rejecting the request for withdrawal as well.
The Pro-Life Heidelberg Group intentions, as outlined in their statutes, revolve around promoting respectful, factual and peaceful discussions about the value of unborn life. Also during their activities they strive to create awareness of the potential dangers that abortion present to women’s mental health. Despite recognizing that not everyone shares their opinion, the Pro-Life Group understands that the topic is of utmost importance.
Denying the group accreditation and accusing it of being misogynistic is a complete absurdity and undermines the principles of open discourse and intellectual diversity that the university prides itself on.
We request the admission of the Pro-Life Heidelberg Group, as they can contribute to shedding light on the taboo topic of abortion, providing support to women in crisis pregnancies, and raising awareness of the potential risks that abortion may pose to women’s health, in a university context.
Please sign this petition to guarantee free speech in German (and European) universities.
