20260403 Presseerklärung der Landes-ASten NRW

Don't talk with right wing extremists

At a time when the EPP Group in the European Parliament is already eroding the firewall against the far right, and when the CDU/CSU in Germany is increasingly normalizing the political agenda of far-right extremists, it remains urgently necessary to oppose this everywhere. There must be no cooperation with groups that promote exclusion and inequality. For this reason, we also support the demand of the State Student Council Meeting of North Rhine-Westphalia (LAT), as outlined in their press release yesterday:

LAT NRW criticizes ARGE’s political exchange with the AfD and calls for a clear demarcation

The State Student Council Meeting of North Rhine-Westphalia (LAT NRW) expresses concern over the reported contacts between the Working Group of Student Services in North Rhine-Westphalia (ARGE) and the AfD. From the perspective of the LAT NRW, such political exchanges contradict the fundamental values upon which the work of the student services is based ...

“Student services organizations were historically founded by students for students. They bear a special responsibility for creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and welcome. In our view, engaging in dialogue with the AfD is clearly at odds with this,” explains Nils Lange, coordinator of LAT NRW ...

From the students’ perspective, political actors whose positions aim at exclusion and inequality are not suitable partners for a trusting exchange within the context of student services. It is notable that student services at the federal level, as well as the German Rectors’ Conference, clearly distance themselves from such positions. This makes it all the more incomprehensible, from the LAT’s perspective, that a different approach has been chosen in North Rhine-Westphalia. Against this backdrop, the LAT expressly welcomes the critical stances taken by individual student services organizations as well as the chairs of the administrative boards ...

The LAT NRW demands an immediate end to all discussions between the ARGE and the AfD, as well as full transparency regarding the basis and objectives of this exchange.

“For students, this isn’t about abstract politics, but about their daily lives and their sense of security. Student services must take a clear stance on this and leave no doubt that they stand on the side of all students”, added Sarah Jovic, coordinator of the LAT NRW.

The LAT NRW will closely monitor the ongoing process and continue to advocate for a higher education landscape characterized by democratic values, solidarity, and openness.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)