The appeal of the Rectors of Katowice universities regarding the protests against refugees
We, the undersigned Rectors of Katowice universities, express our deep concern at the manifestations of hostility toward refugees. Legitimate fears of illegal immigration do not justify building an atmosphere of danger and aversion in society toward any person who is distinguished by their skin color, language or cultural customs.
Recent anti-immigrant protests in many Polish cities, including many in Katowice, have a special impact on academic communities. Universities are inherently open and welcoming to anyone who enters them in search of knowledge. We want to attract the best scholars and students from Poland and the world to contribute to the development of our universities, and thus the region and Poland.
Allowing hate speech against refugees can have the dangerous effect of depriving anyone who has come to study or work in our universities, plants and companies legally, and often at our invitation. Poland, and Silesia especially, for centuries have been famous for their hospitality to newcomers from other countries. They made a huge contribution to Polish culture, science and economy.
We also remember the centuries-old experiences of Polish political and economic emigrants, who were received in many countries of Europe and the world: thousands of insurgents creating the Great Emigration in the 19th century; successive generations of peasants emigrating to North and South America for bread; resettlements and emigration after World War II – including one and a half million Silesians who moved to Germany; one million emigrants of “martial law”; over 2 million Poles leaving for England since 2004
They all sought refuge or hoped for a better fate outside Poland. In the name of the memory of our immigrant compatriots, we should welcome those who come to us legally and really need help.
We call on the authorities to stand firm against acts of hatred against refugees, and the community – especially of our academic cities – is encouraged to show solidarity, support or simple sympathy to anyone who has legitimately chosen our country, region, city to be a place of study, work and a better life.
Prof. Dr Hab. Grzegorz Hańderek
The Rector Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice
Prof. Dr Hab in Medical Sciences. Andrzej Małecki
The Rector J. Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
Prof. Dr Hab. Eng Marek Pawełczyk
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology
Prof. Dr Hab. Tomasz Szczepański
The Rector of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
Prof. Dr Hab. Eng Celina Olszak
The Rector of the University of Economics in Katowice
Prof. Dr Hab. Ryszard Koziołek
The Rector of the University of Silesia in Katowice
