Statement by University Leadership in Response to Recent Anti-Queer Activities at Freie Universität Berlin

Oct 26, 2026

Over the last few weeks several troubling incidents have occurred at the Institute for Theater Studies. During orientation week, the pride flag in front of the institute was ripped down. The following week, swastikas were found graffitied in the restrooms. Since then, more right-wing extremist graffiti has been found. The heads of the institute have reported these incidents to the authorities, and the police are investigating.

We, the university leadership of Freie Universität Berlin, condemn the incidents that have taken place at the Institute for Theater Studies in the strongest possible terms. They are expressions of anti-queer sentiment and right-wing extremist ideology. They are attacks against people at our university, against their rights, and against the community we have built together based on equity.

We would like to extend our support and solidarity to all university members who feel attacked, threatened, or unsettled by these acts. The university must remain a place where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can safely study, work, teach, and conduct research.

Freie Universität stands for freedom, diversity, and mutual respect. As a site for research, education, and critical thinking, we have a particular responsibility to protect these values and ensure that they are a vibrant part of daily life at our university. We cannot take solidarity for granted, nor can we assume that our goal of reducing discrimination is easily met. We must constantly fight for them and actively work to maintain them. The recent incidents make this abundantly clear.

We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize our support for the work being done to clarify these incidents and for the police’s efforts to investigate them. There is no place for anti-queer sentiment or right-wing extremism at Freie Universität.

We encourage you to make use of the counseling and support services available to you through Freie Universität if you need to: Counseling, Advising, and Support Services • Freie Universität Berlin.
October 23, 2026