The Berlin House of Representatives has approved a new amendment to its higher education law aimed at enforcing stricter disciplinary measures, marking a significant shift in university governance. This amendment, passed during the final plenary session before the summer recess, allows for the expulsion of students in cases of severe breaches of regulations.
Under the revised law, expulsion, termed as “exmatriculation,” will be considered only as a last resort and exclusively following a legally binding conviction. Students who face exmatriculation will be barred from re-enrolling at the university for a period of two years.
Key provisions of the amendment define breaches of regulations as actions that “significantly impede a university member in the exercise of their rights and duties through physical violence, incitement to physical violence, or threats thereof.” Additionally, offenses such as sexual harassment and deliberate criminal acts within university premises that result in substantial harm to the institution also fall under this category.
The amendment outlines a range of potential disciplinary actions beyond exmatriculation, including formal warnings, restrictions on access to specific university facilities, temporary exclusion from courses for up to one semester, and the imposition of probationary status with the threat of expulsion. Notably, the revision extends the maximum duration of temporary bans from three months to nine months in extreme cases.
Furthermore, the amendment strengthens house rules governing student conduct within university premises. It introduces stricter penalties and clarifies procedures for enforcing disciplinary actions, reflecting a concerted effort to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.
This legislative update underscores Berlin’s commitment to upholding rigorous standards of behavior and academic integrity within its higher education institutions. The changes are intended to safeguard the rights of all university members while fostering an atmosphere conducive to academic excellence and personal development.