Following the terrorist attack that unfolded at Garissa University College in Kenya on Thursday, 2 April 2015 killing 147 students and leaving at least 79 people wounded, the European University Association (EUA) invites and encourages all European universities to observe one minute’s silence on Monday, 27 April 2015 (12:00 CET), in remembrance of all those killed in and affected by the attack on Garissa and by other attacks on universities and university values around the world.

While the events in Garissa stand out in their barbarity, the EUA is drawing to our attention the appalling reality that attacks continue to happen every day.

Call for a minute of silence

In calling for this observance, EUA reaffirms its belief that any act of violence or attack on education runs counter to the fundamental university values of freedom of thought and expression, tolerance and autonomy and undermines the ambition and fundamental right of any person to gain qualifications and make a contribution to their nation, society and the world.

Attacks on universities, their students and scholars:

• weaken or obliterate academic freedom;
• have a devastating impact on research, teaching and access to education;
• impair society’s long-term development.

Safeguarding the freedom and safety of universities and university communities is therefore vital in ensuring the advancement of knowledge and the cultural and scientific development of humankind.

The pursuit of knowledge has no boundaries and universities transcend geographical and political frontiers. In keeping with its endorsement of the principles of the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, EUA calls on universities across Europe and beyond to unite in solidarity in condemning these recent and any other forms of violence against education. It further appeals to the international community to take action to protect universities from attacks and prevent them from happening in the future.

- - -
Call for one minute’s silence on Monday, 27 April 2015 (12:00 CET)

Original press release from the EUA.