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Students occupy lecture hall at University of Kassel over civil clause changes

Kassel, Hesse, Germany · since Nov 4, 2026

Is it still on?

NOEnded on Nov 6.

Last report · checked

The Tea in three lines

Why they are protesting
Students are protesting the University of Kassel Senate's decision to weaken the university's civil clause in its basic regulations.
What they want
The protesters demand the retention of the original civil clause, which mandates that research and teaching serve exclusively peaceful purposes.
What changed
Nov 6: Police cleared the occupied lecture hall, resulting in six minor injuries to officers and criminal investigations against 47 individuals.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Retain the original civil clause
  • Maintain exclusive focus on peaceful research
  • Reject military-related research cooperation

Organised by: Zivilklausel bleibt, Asta

What authorities say

The university administration filed a criminal complaint for trespassing. Hessian Interior Minister Roman Poseck stated that the police intervention was necessary and condemned the actions of the protesters as a sign of radicalization.2

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Crowd
50
Police reported approximately 40 to 50 people were present in the lecture hall.2
Arrests / detentions
47
Police identified 47 individuals during the clearing of the lecture hall.2
Injuries
6
Six police officers were reported to have sustained minor injuries.2

The full story

Students at the University of Kassel occupied a lecture hall to protest the Senate's decision to amend the university's basic regulations. The amendment modifies the 'civil clause,' which previously required research and teaching to be dedicated exclusively to peaceful and civilian purposes. The initiative 'Zivilklausel bleibt' (Civil Clause Remains) argues that the new wording is insufficient and potentially allows for military-related research. The university administration stated the change clarifies the institution's commitment to peace. Following the occupation, the university filed a complaint for trespassing. Police cleared the hall in the early hours of Thursday after protesters refused to leave. According to police, 47 individuals were removed, with some offering resistance. Six officers sustained minor injuries, and investigations were initiated for trespassing, violation of assembly laws, and assault on law enforcement officers.

Timeline

  1. Police clear the lecture hall, identifying 47 people and reporting six injured officers.2

  2. Students occupy a lecture hall at the University of Kassel to protest the weakening of the civil clause.1

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