24.09.2026
Statement from Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences Regarding a Queerphobic Incident
We are deeply shocked and outraged by an incident in the backyard of Building B, in which the Pride flag was torn down from the flagpole and set on fire. We view this as a politically motivated attack on our queer community and have notified the police accordingly.
Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences stands for open and non-discriminatory interactions and a culture in which every person is valued and can feel safe, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The burning of our Pride flag therefore constitutes an attack on our shared values and a sign of hatred toward the queer community. We condemn this act in the strongest possible terms and stand in solidarity with our queer university community members and all queer people who no longer feel safe due to the increase in attacks in Germany. We will resolutely oppose any attempts at intimidation, whether symbolic or otherwise. As a visible sign of our commitment, we will replace the Pride flag shortly and raise another one in a suitable location.
It is the responsibility of us all to ensure that there is no room for queerphobia, antisemitism, and racism. Each and every one of us has the opportunity to show solidarity. This applies both to discussions on campus and to conversations in our private lives. Let us use our voices to take a stand against discriminatory views.
The State Rectors’ Conference and the higher education institutions in the State of Bremen have sent a strong and important message of solidarity with us and published a jointly drafted statement on their websites. We are very grateful for their joint statement:
Bremen’s academic institutions condemn anti-queer incident at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences
In mid-September, a Pride flag was torn down and burnt at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. We, the higher education and research institutions of the State Rectors’ Conference and the U Bremen Research Alliance, declare our solidarity with Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and the queer community.
Our higher education institutions, research institutes and the State of Bremen stand for an open and non-discriminatory society. We therefore condemn this act in the strongest possible terms and regard it as an attack on our democratic values.
We stand alongside our queer members of the university and institute communities and all queer people who no longer feel safe due to the rise in attacks. We therefore call on everyone to show solidarity and to speak out against discriminatory attitudes.