For several months now, the University Senate has been discussing a new draft of the preamble to the Basic Charter (Civil Clause). Prior to the final vote on this draft, the Senate and the university administration are inviting all members of the university to participate in a discussion process. The series of events will focus on the question of how academic freedom can be upheld at the University of Kassel in the future and what role research and teaching can play in promoting peace.

As part of this series, two university-wide events under the motto “We Need to Talk” are scheduled to take place on October 13 and 14, 2026.

Part 1 | Our Basic Charter: Responsibility and Scholarship
The events are open to the university community—that is, to all members of the university—but not to external participants. Registration is via Campus Events.

The content of the events builds upon one another. Therefore, we recommend attending both events if possible. A concluding discussion and the Senate’s decision on the civil clause are scheduled for November 4, 2026.

The voices and perspectives of the university community are of great importance for this decision. The discussion events mentioned above offer you the opportunity to actively shape the opinion-forming process at the university.