Senate decides to begin critical debate on Münster University’s name-giver

The Münster Schloss is where the Rectorate of Münster University is located. WWU - Jan Lehmann The Senate of the Westfälische Wilhelms-University (University of Münster) has decided unanimously that the University should promote a critical, public debate on the subject of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941), after whom the University is named. The basis for this decision is the final report of an eight-strong taskforce which the University had set up in October 2018 and which now advocated that the University "take up the challenge of having a critical, public and unflinching discussion on how the man who gave his name to the University of Münster is to be judged today." As the President of the Senate, Prof. Hinnerk Wißmann, says, "At the moment no decision will be taken about the University's name. But we have decided, on the basis of a concept that has been submitted, to begin a structured, wide-ranging discussion and to work on clarification of the historical background. This is the prerequisite for reaching a viable decision at a later date." The Senate commissioned the Rectorate of Münster University with implementing the wide-ranging measures proposed by the taskforce - measures which aim to provide a basis, two years later, for making a decision on the issue of the name. The University, which was founded in 1780, has borne the name of its benefactor since 1907. The eight-strong taskforce led by Münster University historian Prof. Olaf Blaschke agreed that it was time to take the initiative and have a critical dialogue based on the facts.