University of Kassel signs Magna Charta Universitatum

"The goal of the Magna Charta is to build a global community of universities that share common values and are committed to defending those values in an increasingly challenging environment. By signing, we want to send a signal that we see ourselves as part of this international network," said Chancellor Dr. Oliver Fromm, who is traveling to Canada as a representative of University President Prof. Dr. Reiner Finkeldey.

"Universities have an important role to play in promoting and developing relations between countries in Europe and around the world - as the University of Kassel, we are eager to play a part in building bridges and being a place for a lively culture of discussion," said Prof. Finkeldey, who launched the initiative to include the University of Kassel in the Magna Charta Universitatem. "At the same time, we as a university want to actively oppose all attempts to restrict the freedom of science, which is unfortunately under threat in many countries around the world and increasingly also in Europe."

The Magna Charta Universitatum was launched in Bologna in 1988 and initially signed by 388 rectors. In addition to the University of Kassel, this year's list of signatories includes the Sorbonne University in Paris and the University of York in the United Kingdom.

Contact:

Markus Zens
University of Kassel
Communications, Press and Public Relations
Tel.: +49 561 804-1961
E-mail: presse[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
www.uni-kassel.de