Statement of the Executive Board of ETH Zurich

The Executive Board of ETH Zurich considers freedom of research and freedom of speech to be particularly worthy of protection and has therefore very carefully examined whether Léopold Lambert should give a lecture on the subject of "Weaponised Architecture: Settler Colonialism and the Built Environment in Palestine". Together with those responsible at the Department of Architecture, the Executive Board analysed the available facts, held intensive discussions with all parties involved, examined possible alternative events with speeches and counter-speeches and consulted external and internal experts.

The Executive Board of ETH Zurich has now decided to cancel the event, which was planned as part of a series of seminars organised by students in the Department of Architecture. Since Léopold Lambert has the relevant expertise, it is understandable why the students invited him to this series of seminars. However, after being in dialogue with the speaker it remained unclear to the Executive Board whether he was willing to distance himself credibly and explicitly enough from violence. This would not be in line with the values of ETH Zurich and the university's statement in favour of all people in the Middle East conflict.

However, the Executive Board of ETH Zurich would like to emphasise that the Department of Architecture at our internationally oriented university can and should conduct research into political aspects of spatial planning or housing development. There is no question that existing structures should be critically scrutinised and controversial topics such as the consequences of Israel's settlement policy should be discussed.