Hate has no place at the University of Warsaw. Developing recommendations for countering hate and a rapid response procedure is the primary task of the newly established Rector’s Team. The first meeting took place on 7th October.

The inauguration of the Rector’s Team for Countering Hate took place on 7th October at the Warsaw University Library. The event was attended by Vice-Rectors Prof. Adam Niewiadomski and Prof. Maciej Raś, as well as Robert Grey, Chancellor, who oversees the Team’s work on behalf of the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak.

 

You face a demanding task. Fighting with hate is very important, but we must also remember the issue of freedom of speech and expression. Sometimes the line between justified criticism and unacceptable hate is very delicate. Developing appropriate legal procedures for responding to hate speech is therefore very difficult, but extremely necessary,” said Prof. Adam Niewiadomski, Vice-Rector for Doctoral and Legal Affairs at the University of Warsaw.

On behalf of the Rector’s Office, I can assure you that we apply a zero-tolerance policy to unacceptable behaviours such as hate and hate speech within the university space. I want to emphasise: these are not actions taken against students or other community members, but rather for their well-being and with their support. We are not dealing with repression, but with a necessary and expected response to inappropriate, even criminal, behaviour,” said Prof. Maciej Raś, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching and Learning at the University of Warsaw.

Modern times demonstrate how easily the values ​​of freedom and dialogue can be threatened by aggression and exclusion. We are committed to ensuring that the University of Warsaw is a place where diversity does not divide, but unites – a place of mutual understanding and respect. Our actions are intended not only to respond to hate, but above all, to build a culture based on empathy, openness, and mutual respect. I believe that thanks to this, together we are building a stronger, more resilient, and more united University of Warsaw,” added Robert Grey, Chancellor of the University of Warsaw.

Rapid Response Procedure

During the first meeting of the Rector’s Team, its main objectives and organisational issues for further work were discussed. Several important issues were highlighted, including the need to consider the perspectives and needs of all segments of the academic community, statistical analysis, the collection of best practices, and educational and communication activities.

 

Main tasks:
  • Developing recommendations for countering hate at the University of Warsaw;
  • Creating a proposal for a rapid response procedure and regulatory changes stigmatising hate in the academic community;
  • Disseminating information regarding manifestations of both phenomena in the public sphere and undertaking educational activities.
Rector’s Team for Counteracting Hate:
  • Elżbieta Felkner – Academic Ombudsman Team;
  • Paulina Górnicka – Academic Ombudsman Team;
  • Anna Martin-Grędzińska – Chief Specialist for Equal Opportunities;
  • Dominika Huczek – Faculty of Economic Sciences;
  • Monika Kaczmarek-Śliwińska – Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies;
  • Agata Kapica – Office of Employee Affairs;
  • Miriam Kołak – University Volunteer Center;
  • Agnieszka Kościelniak-Osiak – Warsaw University Library;
  • Katarzyna Kucharska – University Volunteer Center;
  • Daiwa Maksimowicz – Press Office;
  • Magdalena Miksa – Academic Ombudsman;
  • Dr Anna Modzelewska – University of Warsaw Spokesperson;
  • Sławomir Obliński – Acting Director of Security;
  • Dr Aleksandra Winiarska – Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Resocialization;
  • Dr Tatiana Witkowska – Center for Cooperation and Dialogue;
  • Agata Wrona – Psychological Support Center;
  • Kamil Frankowski – Representative of the Doctoral Student Council;
  • Zuzanna Bastek – Representative of the Student Council.