Universities are places of non-violent discourse and the communication of democratic values

The Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) has followed the events of the last few hours with horror and bewilderment. The fact that Austria has now also been hit by such an act of terrorism has caused great consternation at the universities of applied sciences.

"As a university sector, we want to make it clear that we firmly reject and condemn all forms of violence. Universities of applied sciences are places where freedom, democracy and peaceful coexistence are practised. These are the fundamental values of our society that we, as universities and educational institutions, pass on. It is particularly important now to uphold these values together," said FHK President Raimund Ribitsch and FHK Secretary General Kurt Koleznik.