"We are happy to do this together" is the motto of the four Aachen universities when it comes to supporting the Aachen Appeal. And the statements with which the management teams position themselves on the declaration, which was presented on February 4 by representatives of all parliamentary groups in the Aachen City Council, the religious communities and representatives of urban society under the title "Aachen sticks together - Together for solidarity and enlightenment", are correspondingly clear and convincing.
Maintaining and supporting constructive discourse
Prof. Bernd P. Pietschmann, Rector of FH Aachen, sums up what the campaign is all about: "Starting from the round table against the right, a broad alliance from society and politics has formed under the name "Aachen sticks together". It appeals to social cohesion, especially during the pandemic. It warns that populist, extremist and anti-Semitic forces are using the uncertainties surrounding coronavirus to question the values and foundations of our democracy. Solidarity with one another and a supportive relationship with the decisions of the government we have commissioned are necessary in these difficult times, just as important as the recognition and consideration of scientific findings. We can only be successful if we work together in a spirit of trust and respect. Science can make a productive, fact-based contribution to this, and we foster and support such constructive discourse. The Rectorate of FH Aachen supports this appeal with full conviction."
Trust in scientific findings
The Rector of RWTH Aachen University, Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger, explains just as clearly: "For us at RWTH Aachen University, it goes without saying that we stand by the side of all those who oppose populist, extremist and anti-Semitic forces in this campaign. Trust in scientific knowledge is an important cornerstone of our enlightened society. Conspiracy theories do not contribute to solving the current challenges. They distract from the issue and drive a wedge into our society. We must not allow this to happen. The uncertainties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic must not be used to call into question the values and foundations of our coexistence. Especially in these times, we stand up for democracy, solidarity and education. Because Aachen sticks together."
The responsibility of each individual
For Prof. Martin Spetsmann-Kunkel, Dean of catho North Rhine-Westphalia in Aachen, a university for social work per se stands for respectful coexistence: "Social work is based on humanitarian and democratic ideals and is not compatible with anti-Semitic, right-wing extremist and right-wing populist ideologies. We therefore support the "Aachen sticks together" alliance and take a clear stance against conspiracy theories, right-wing extremism and right-wing populism. We are currently experiencing a historic situation that we can only overcome if we stick together. As a civil society and as a strong democratic alliance, we must show solidarity. It is everyone's responsibility to contain the spread of the virus and to demonstrate our strength as a society through patience, cohesion and common sense. We are firmly opposed to hostility towards science in principle. Science must continue to participate in public and political discourse in order to strengthen trust in science and research - because only through rational dialog will we overcome this pandemic together."
Against instrumentalization for political purposes
Prof. Hans-Werner Huppertz, Managing Director of the Cologne University of Music and Dance in Aachen, believes it is very important not to exclude those who are worried or doubtful: "We are living in a time in which solidarity and togetherness are more important than ever. We can only overcome this pandemic together if we communicate respectfully, work together, don't leave anyone out and don't divide ourselves into "us versus them" camps. I therefore reject any instrumentalization for political purposes."
In addition to the City of Aachen in the person of Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen, the first signatories of "Aachen sticks together" include the Aachen Peace Prize, DGB NRW-Südwest, the Church in the Diocese of Aachen, the Evangelical Church District of Aachen, Yunus Emre Mosque, Bilal Mosque, Jewish community, the parliamentary groups CDU, FDP, GRÜNE, DIE LINKE, SPD, DIe Zukunft consisting of VOLT, UWG and Piraten, as well as Partnerschaft für Demokratie Aachen, NRWeltoffen, Centrum für Antisemitismus- und Rassismusstudien, Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Aachen and Kirche gegen Rechts.