The exhibition aims to provide impetus for making fundamental rights visible, tangible and open to discussion, including in dialogue between generations and social groups. The travelling exhibition has been made available by the Constitutional Court of North Rhine-Westphalia; it was developed by Dr Dirk Gilberg, a judge at the Constitutional Court of North Rhine-Westphalia and Director of the Cologne Labour Court. In his speech, he discussed the history of fundamental rights and emphasised: “Fundamental rights are red lines. But even in a liberal democracy, they can only endure if their limits are not constantly being tested.”
As a co-founder of the ‘Demokratie Niederrhein’ initiative, Günter Heenen explains: “We are committed to democratic values and fundamental principles because, particularly in today’s world, we felt we had to do something.” With regard to the university, Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, President of the HSRW, stated: “As a university, we have a responsibility to stand up clearly for democratic principles. This includes taking a stand against extremist ideologies, racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination, not only in everyday life but also on our campus. The fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution play a central role in this.”
Referring to the ‘Universities Take a Stand’ campaign, Prof. Dr Tatiana Zimenkova, Vice-President for International Affairs and Diversity, emphasises the importance of democratic values in study and research and states: “As universities, we have a duty to strengthen and protect democracy. This is part of our students’ education. Fundamental rights protect democracy as well as the freedom and dignity of every individual.”
Universities are key venues for education in democracy – it is here that students learn to think critically and conduct research. Freedom of expression, open discourse and participation are at the heart of this. Prof. Dr Jakob Lempp, Professor of Political Science specialising in International Relations, also highlighted this in his presentation. The university is once again hosting a lecture by Prof. Lempp on 19 May 2026 at 7.00 pm, which will address the question: ‘Democracy in danger? On the current state of liberal democracy in Germany and Europe’.
As part of the exhibition, the HSRW also announced that the university management had appointed Prof. Dr Matthias Krauledat as the Anti-Semitism Officer at the beginning of March 2026. To strengthen protection against anti-Semitism, he advises the Executive Board as well as the university’s faculties and departments. He also acts as a point of contact for students, staff, lecturers and, in particular, Jewish members of the university community and visitors. The aim of his work is to highlight anti-Semitic structures, support those affected, promote prevention and raise awareness of anti-Semitism at the university.
The exhibition is held under the patronage of Christoph Gerwers, District Administrator of the Kleve district, and is sponsored by the Lions Club Niederrhein. University President Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen is part of the supporting initiative ‘Demokratie Niederrhein’.
The exhibition is on display at the Kleve Campus (2nd floor of Building 4) of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences and is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 17.00. Admission to the exhibition is free. Groups of more than 15 people and interested school classes are asked to register by emailing events@hochschule-rhein-waal.de.
