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Dear readers
The end of the semester is approaching – usually a time to catch our breath. However, the shortsighted and unjust policies of the Berlin Senate currently leave us no room for respite. The struggle for urgently needed funding and the fight for the future viability of our university and for Berlin as a hub for science and research continues. “Do we matter to you?” ask our students on the banners that are already prepared in the foyer for the next demonstration on 22 February 2025.
A response from the Berlin Senate is still pending. On 23 January 2025, the Senate invited the university administration to talks regarding the renegotiation of the 2024–2028 university contract. However, a clear course of action has yet to emerge. The decision on the actual amount to be cut may be delayed until summer. This is disastrous, as we need planning security for at least the current fiscal year.
The effects of these budget cuts are dramatic and are already forcing us to adopt drastic measures in the areas of diversity, digitisation, training and professional development, and collaboration. Of course, the list of affected areas is much longer than this.
For these reasons, the Academic Senate unanimously adopted a statement on 22 January 2025 calling for the Berlin Senate to reverse the cuts, citing the university’s precarious financial situation, which has persisted since the turn of the millennium. The resolution also calls on the university administration to “examine all legal options and, if necessary, take legal action”.
Last but not least, there is also some good news. We are continuing our work. With exhibitions, publications and panels, we warmly invite you to join us in envisioning a better future. Read more about it below in our newsletter.
Your weissensee school of art and design berlin
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