Segerstedt Institute has massive political backing and has been criticized for political control. It concerns neither Stefan Löfven or GU’s Chancellor Pam Fredman.
On Friday inaugurated Segerstedt Institute.
The University of Gothenburg has many institutions, but few have such a magnificent setting as this. Prime Minister Stephen Löfven, Foreign Minister Margot Wallström and Minister of Higher Education Helene Hellmark Knutsson made speeches during the ceremony. So did the last S-leader Mona Sahlin and Leijonborg, the Liberal Party’s former leader.
The day started in Kungälv stressing the municipality’s work on Tolerance project, which began after the murder of John Hron 20 years ago. A couple of students testified about how they have grown through this project and Christer Mattsson, who started the work now being taken further into Segerstedt Institute, highlighted the meeting and dialogue rather than confrontation.
Mona Sahlin told of a woman in Ludvika piece ill of the elected city council member from Nazi Swedish Resistance Movement but wondered why we have to talk so much about him.
– She said “he did not do something.” John Hron was “us” and we have to be John Hron, summed Mona Sahlin.
Segerstedt Institute has received 10 million from the government to build a research-based experience designed to prevent recruitment to violent movements.
The Institute has already been criticized for being too politically driven. One criticism Stefan Löfven responds by stressing that research will be conducted during regular scientific basis and that the money will fall. Segerstedt Institute is a different track.
– It has been tasked to protect and develop democracy. Here, various scientists and other societal stakeholders in meetings to build knowledge and methods to prevent extremism and recruitment.
It is a massive political presentation here today. What hopes do you have for Segerstedt Institute?
– We see it as a national resource for building knowledge about these problems and above all methods to prevent recruitment to extremist and racist organizations. They are a threat to democracy and then it is a political task to ensure that creating the opportunity for the academy and the community to meet and build knowledge.
Gothenburg University Vice-Chancellor Pam Fredman says the university’s role is to be free from control.
– We must hold on at all times. We are facing a social challenge that we all have to deal with, and we have our role as academia, along with practitioners. I do not see it as a guide.
During the morning program in Kungälv also attended John Hron parents. Marie-Louise Hron thanked everyone who worked on Tolerance project and committed to violence. She stressed the importance of safety and to be recognized.
– There is the fear that is the culprit.
Also read: Scientists boycott the new Segerstedt Institute
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