Coalition warns against AfD's higher education plans in Saxony-Anhalt

A broad alliance of academics, unions, and student bodies in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt has issued a stark warning regarding the higher education policies proposed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The coalition voiced concerns over plans outlined in the AfD's government program, which they argue would undermine democratic participation and academic freedom within universities.

Key points of contention include the AfD's proposal to reduce the influence of students and other university groups, labeling existing participation rights as "pseudo-democratic." Instead, the party advocates for greater decision-making power to be returned to professors. Furthermore, the AfD intends to replace gender equality officers with family liaisons and seeks to curb research in areas like gender studies and the human-caused climate crisis, while promoting specific, politically favored research directions.

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Democratic participation is not a problem, but a strength of universities.

The coalition, comprising organizations such as the Education and Science Union (GEW), Verdi, student councils, and state-level gender equality officers, emphasized that democratic participation is a strength, not a weakness, for universities. They are particularly alarmed by the prospect of partisan political influence over research and teaching, asserting that scientific inquiry must remain independent, regardless of whether its findings are inconvenient or unwelcome.

The AfD is currently leading in opinion polls for the upcoming state election on September 6, with around 40% support, significantly ahead of the CDU's approximately 26%. The coalition also criticized the AfD's proposed study funding reforms, which would introduce a performance-based state scholarship system as an alternative to the standard BAföG student aid. The alliance views this as a departure from the principle of equal opportunity, stressing that universities must remain spaces for critical thought, free research, and democratic debate.

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Universities must remain places where critical thinking, free research, and democratic debate can take place.