An online activist with nationalist, extreme right-wing views is currently enrolled in the course Intercultural studies: race and whiteness in Sweden. The person is very active on social media, where he posts derogatory comments about the course, the students in the course and the course director. The university and its management strongly disagree with his actions on social media. What has emerged so far is, however, not enough to suspend the student.
The person in question says that he wanted to take the course to examine the course and the teacher of the course with aim of creating some form of documentary or video with a focus on the teacher and the course. Reports about the situation have been published in several news media and there have also been comments on social media.
- We take the situation very seriously and strongly disagree with the person’s actions on social media. We are offering support to the teacher subjected to this situation and taking measures to ensure a safe environment for our students as well as our staff. Karlstad University is a place for learning and seeking knowledge. We stand for democratic principles, equality, openness and diversity, says Vice-Chancellor Jerker Moodysson.
The head of department concerned, department management and several other functions within the university have taken various measures to ensure a safe working environment for teachers and students, as well as making sure that the students in the course are able to complete their studies according to the syllabus. The course director is currently on sick leave and has been replaced by a substitute. The course has also changed format from a distance learning course to a reading course.
