"If we want to preserve the democratic consensus and social peace in our country, everyone in Germany must be clear: Hate and agitation have nothing to do with freedom of expression!"

Prime Minister Malu Dreyer

At its cabinet meeting on 28.01.2020, the state government addressed the observation that the principles of respectful and peaceful interaction are increasingly being disregarded in social contexts. Particularly in the various social networks, where statements can be made anonymously, it can be observed that many people have to defend themselves daily against attacks full of hatred and agitation against them as a person or their work.

The Council of Ministers has adopted the following appeal:

"Living well together - Rhineland-Palatinate against hate and agitation. Rhineland-Palatinate is a state worth living in and open to the world. We want to remain so in the future.

That is why we are not resigned to the fact that interaction on the street and online is becoming increasingly aggressive. We object when individuals or minorities are denigrated and we stand up to those who take responsibility for the common good when they are insulted and threatened.

We know from history how precious democracy and the rule of law are. Freedom of opinion and freedom of the press are precious assets. But no one can invoke the Basic Law to justify hatred and agitation. The dignity of every human being is inviolable - no matter where someone comes from, what gender they are, what they believe, what handicap they have, what social situation they live in or how they love.

Misanthropy must never again meet a majority that remains silent.

Let us show together that hatred and hate speech have no place in Rhineland-Palatinate. Despite all differences of opinion, we stand for a coexistence of respect. We value compassion, tolerance and civil courage. We want to live well together."

The extended Executive Board of the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) expressly supports the state government's appeal "Living well together - Rhineland-Palatinate against hate and agitation". In future, the university intends to address the topic - and thus the problematic nature of this social development - more intensively within the framework of suitable events. The first thematic kick-off will be the 2nd symposium on health promotion and prevention in care, which will take place on February 13, 2020 at the HWG LU and will deal with respectful interaction, violence prevention and conflict resolution in everyday care.

"As the German Rectors' Conference has already clearly stated on several occasions, we believe that universities need to consciously and visibly oppose intolerance and hate speech. After all, universities stand for openness to the world and tolerance. They stand up for our free and democratic society and have a special responsibility with regard to their educational mission," explained University President Prof. Dr. Peter Mudra on behalf of the entire Executive Board, adding: "As HWG LU, we are delighted to have a diverse student body and staff who treat each other with openness and respect. And we see ourselves closely connected to Ludwigshafen's colorful and committed urban society."

According to Mudra, the university not only wants to support the state government's declaration in future, but also address the topic - and thus the problematic nature of this social development - more intensively in the context of suitable events. The first thematic kick-off will be the 2nd symposium on health promotion and prevention in care, which will take place on February 13, 2020 at the HWG LU and will deal with respectful interaction, violence prevention and conflict resolution in everyday care.

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