Dear new students and members of our academic community! The academic year starts in a time of great challenges for the national and municipal economy and in global issues. Wars, conflicts and the poor security situation in Syria, Iraq and many other countries are driving an increasing number of asylum seekers and refugees to risk their lives in order to get to Europe. Based on the latest information, we are preparing to receive up to 15,000 asylum seekers this year. The escalating situation has created fertile ground for an increase in hate speech, discrimination and downright racism. We must reject this kind of development.