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The Poznan Council of Rectors comprising rectors of all public higher education institutions of our city and presided by PUMS Rector Andrzej Tykarski has issued the following statement regarding the recent events in the country:

Poznań, October 28, 2020

We, the rectors of higher education institutions in Poznan, wish to express our deepest concern over the latest events taking place in our country. For the past few days people have rallied to protest a ruling by Poland’s constitutional court that violated a delicate social balance between pro-choice and pro-life supporters. For some unaccountable reason, the ruling was declared during a surge in COVID-19 cases in Poland, in a time when all social forces should be focused on fighting the negative impact of the second wave of the pandemic. These protests pose a genuine threat to our health and they increase the spread of the virus. Additionally, we are observing incidents of violence and aggressive behavior exacerbating the social divide.

We urge everyone involved in the protests to follow the safety rules, abstain from violence, respect one another, and exercise only peaceful forms of public debate. Protesting against the verdict of the constitutional court are many young people, our own students and PHD candidates, rightfully fighting for their civil rights, and for the right to decide about their own lives.

First and foremost however, we urge the politicians and the government to take swift actions leading to resolution of this conflict by means of social dialogue and consensus. They are responsible for the fate of Poland and of the Polish women and men. We urge them to respect what women, non-governmental organizations, parents of disabled children, scientists and others have to say. Above all we ask them to apply all possible peaceful means to mitigate the situation as it grows more dangerous by the day.

Poznan Council of Rectors