Civil Clause at the University of Bremen

Resolutions of the Academic Senate

In 1986, the University of Bremen became the first university in Germany to adopt a Civil Clause by resolution of its Academic Senate. The Civil Clause calls upon universities to dedicate their research, teaching, and learning exclusively to peaceful purposes. However, the clause was not prohibitory then, nor is it now. Instead, it serves as a recommendation and an appeal. Since its introduction, the Academic Senates of the University of Bremen have re-confirmed the Civil Clause several times, for example in 1991 and 2012. Since 2015, the universities in Bremen State have also been legally required to uphold the Civil Clause.

The current Civil Clause dates back to the January 25, 2012 resolution, in which the committee stated:

“The Academic Senate continues to uphold the principles of the May 14, 1986 resolution, particularly the rejection of any involvement of science and research for military use or purposes. Research topics and funding that could serve arms research must be publicly discussed and, if necessary, rejected.”

The Academic Senate also reaffirms the principles of the June 26, 1991, resolution, namely the University of Bremen's commitment to research that serves civilian purposes.

The Academic Senate:

“The University of Bremen is committed to peace and pursues only civilian purposes. This commitment to peace is an integral part of the university's guiding principles.”