The University of Lodz Rector announced that he would also take part in it:
We are joining the "Lodz for Everyone" event as the #UniLodz Rector’s Board because we want to show that we are an open university where diversity is a strength, not a problem. The same is true in the city we live in, Lodz, which was built by immigrants. It would be great if we didn't have to remind people of such things and constantly prove that this is the case. However, we live in an imperfect world and must constantly care for it. We don't intend to fight anyone but we cannot remain silent when attempts to exclude certain individuals from the community are made. If such consent is given, such exclusion may ultimately affect everyone.
In a letter to the Rector of the University of Lodz, Prof. dr hab. Rafał Matera, the organisers invite the entire University of Lodz community to a march that is intended to be an expression of solidarity with the idea of an open society:
We are organising our march in response to the disturbing events that have recently taken place both in Lodz and elsewhere in the country. Increasingly strong nationalist and discriminatory narratives are leading to a division of society and undermining the foundations of community life. Unfortunately, we are saddened to see that such attitudes are also finding support in political circles. We cannot remain indifferent. We want to clearly demonstrate that Lodz is a city of openness, solidarity and diversity – for everyone, regardless of origin, religion, skin colour, identity or worldview. This includes the over two thousand international students.
The University of Lodz is, above all, about its people. Our academic community is made up of students, employees and doctoral candidates. They belong to it regardless of their origin, religion, skin colour, identity, sexual orientation or worldview. Lodz is a city of openness and solidarity, and #UniLodz is a place for everyone. With this in mind, and the university's role in shaping social attitudes, the university actively supports the march.
By participating in the march, we stand with the thousands of international students at the University of Lodz. Some of them have experienced racist and xenophobic behaviour, including attacks. Solidarity between the academic community and international students is crucial for a university that is one of the leaders in terms of internationalisation in Poland
– underlines Dr Andrzej Kompa, who is a historian at the University of Lodz and an activist.
The event is organised by the Lodz Diversity Coalition – a forum of organisations and individuals that have been working for several years to foster intercultural dialogue and promote diversity and acceptance among Lodz residents. No political speeches are expected during the march.
Source: Organisers of the march
Edit: Press Office, University of Lodz