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Home , Berlin Wall, Civic Forum, Fall of the Berlin Wall, Jan Sokol (philosopher), Petr Pithart

Magazine 4 2019 — iforum.cuni.cz

special issue

1989 2019

Jan Sokol Spotlight Václav Havel Vladimír Hanzel Šimon Pánek 4EU+ Today we know how A journey into the From prison to How Havel turned Our first and last Echoes from to handle freedom world of knowledge honorary doctorate into a Leader demonstration partners / 4 / 6 / 10 / 14 / 18 / 20 A gathering to honour the memory to memory the A gathering honour Debate Between Former Czech A Debate Between 17:00 Three Decades of : Decades Three 12:00 General University Hospital University General student Jan Opletal Jan of student partner general at Charles University / University at Charles Patriotic Carolinum Hall,the 18:00 First FacultyFirst of Medicine Prime Ministers Faculty Night

12 13 Faculty of Law events of partners media / / 11 commemorating the 11

partner main , followed by aconcert Conference on dissent in the former inthe Conference ondissent 9:00 www.svobodnylistopad.cz 1 Join usin

19:00 Transformation Czech inthe 9 Conference onEconomic University of Economics, of Economics, University Opening of exhibition the Opening Republic andSlovakia 10:00 3 Unknown Soldier – Unknown Soldier an original musical an original Kampus Hybernská Our November ’89 Grand Hall, the Carolinum Hall,the Grand 16:00 November 17 9 14 15 the Carolinum / Carolinum the Carolinum / / / 11 11 1 9 partners 8

9

12:00 From FencesFrom to the Barbed The Night Before VelvetThe Night concert 9:00 International Students’ Day Students’ International Conference on and Conference onEurope Schengen Area conference Area Schengen Freedom andDemocracy of the Czech of the Patriotic Carolinum Hall,the The Chamber of Deputies of Deputies The Chamber Day at Albertov 16:00 9:00 16 17 Albertov Albertov / / 11 11

Dear readers, Dear the hands of the communist riot police.the handsof the communistriot The crac- Opletal’s crackdown at death andsuffereda brutal had gathered to mark the dayandcommemorate inCzechoslovakia.the communistregime Students of the start Velvet that broughtdown in 1941. national Students’ Day was establishedinLondon Sachsenhausen, . In their memory, Inter- professors were sent to the concentrationcampin November 17 andmore than 1‚200studentsand Nine studentsandprofessors were executed on two dayslaterallCzechuniversities were closed. ber 15, intoa demonstrationand hisfuneral turned and latersuccumbed to hisinjuries. OnNovem- stration; however, the studentJan Opletal was shot Charles University gatheredfora peacefuldemon- occupied by the Nazis) citizensandstudentsof (ata time when it founding ofourcountry was ker history. mental changes. However, the datehasa much dar- ofa newera –onefreedomandfunda- the start the . November 17, 1989, marked tain. In the CzechRepublic, this event isknown as It hasbeen30 of since the IronCur- years the fall Fifty later,years November 17, 1989, saw the On October28, 1939, of the the anniversary online too! You articles the can read Rector Rector Tomáš Zima our freedom, and work together fora betterfuture. the courageousstudents who gave their lives for sion ofa freeandcooperatingEurope. together:and moreresearchers itrepresentsour vi- for ouruniversity, morestudents aimedatbringing blems together. The 4EU+ Alliance isa key project one of the main ways in which we cansolve pro- often numerous challengesandeducationis very Europeanuniversities.prestigious The futureoffers together the talents andresourcesofsix bringing address someof the challenges ahead. hascome; the country itisalsoa moment far to to evaluate how opportunity presents animportant since, political transformation the 30thanniversary te. Given the extentof the social, economic, and isstilla reason the path to celebra- to democracy – backon gained their freedom andput the country down bring the regime. tions that would never abateand would eventually andled to demonstra- kdown shocked the country May we allenjoy this anniversary, remembering We the latestabout the 4EU+ report Alliance, That moment –themomentCzechoslovaks re- of Charles University of Charles

Photo by Charles University Archive Interview Emeritus – Today we know how Out of shadows and injustice to handle freedom / 4 into the free world / 16 Contents Spotlight Interview A journey into the world Šimon pánek – Our first and of knowledge / 6 last demonstration / 18

Profile 4EU+ Alliance václav havel – From prison The Velvet Revolution… as seen 6 to honorary doctorate / 10 by our 4EU+ Alliance partners /20 Interview Comics vladimír Hanzel – How Václav How to explain the meaning of Havel turned into a Leader / 14 “Velvet” to your foreign friends / 22

Forum 4/2019 Forum is published twice a year and is Charles University Magazine free. The opinions expressed in Forum Special Issue 1989—2019 are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Charles Published by University. Reprinting of any articles Charles University or images from Forum without Ovocný trh 5, 116 36 Prague 1 the express permission of Charles Editor-in-chief Martin Rychlík University is forbidden. Responsible for Content Jan Velinger This issue was published in October 2019 Editorial Inquiries Registration MK ČR E 22422 +420 224 491 248 ISSN 1211-1732 E-mail [email protected] Photo on this spread by Layout and Graphic Design Tomáš Turek Filip Blažek, Eliška Kudrnovská, Charles University Archive Designiq Karel Bucháček Cover Photo 10 Tomáš Turek 18 society has miraculously learned to han- graduation, and for everyone. Of course For the last three decades you’ve dle freedom. I’ve always been very con- it’s a little different at a conservatory or been connected in various ways cerned about that. Of course one greatly at a secondary medical school than at a with Charles University. What has looked forward to when the bubble gymnázium [college preparatory second- changed the most? would burst. But at the same time I was ary school]. After all, neither a musician I would say that the universities were Today we know how worried how we would handle it because nor a nurse can get by without a trino- significantly changed by the masses. The we weren’t used to freedom. mial equation (pardon me, without an number of students grew in the equation with one unknown), without over many years, while in the Czech And do we know how to handle percentages and statistics, without esti- Republic it jumped from one year to freedom, or do we no longer appre- mating quantities. the next and practically without invest- ciate it? ment. Also, the emphasis on research to handle freedom You know, I’m not a sociologist, and What’s troubling contemporary and examination, which the Commu- I have no idea how it’s perceived on education? nists wanted to give exclusively to the Professor Jan Sokol’s philosophy lectures have a mass scale. But I’d say that if pub- Above all, it’s the bureaucratisation and Academy of Sciences. It came all of a lic freedom is taken for granted among unnecessary recordkeeping of anything sudden, and things are now evaluated always been among the most sought-after at Charles people, that’s actually good. That’s how and everything. And I’m very disturbed only according to the criteria of empiri- it should be. And if anyone tries to cut by the mistrust shown by parents: they cal science. University, and he himself has been connected to their freedom short, let the people pro- themselves are showing children that A university is a remarkable organism academia for decades. He also perceptively noted test loudly. they don’t appreciate schools. When a that has been alive for nearly a thou- This is why I’m delighted, for exam- father asks his little boy what he did in sand years though transformations. It is the transformation of the university and all of Czech ple, by “Milion chvilek pro demokracii the “idiot factory” today, he has no idea conservative in itself and by its nature. [A Million Moments for Democracy]”, how much he’s harming him. It’s inter- At the same time, young people are con- society after the events of November 1989. where young people figure prominently, esting that most people will have incred- stantly entering it, and thanks to that it unaffected by old sentiments. They un- ibly good memories of their first teacher can be a very open and critical environ- STORY BY Jiří Novák PHOTO BY Vladimír Šigut derstood that there’s no need to establish until the day they die. Why can’t we use ment. And that’s good. a new party or present a political pro- that later? Where does it go? gramme. It’s enough to show that they’re Maybe the teacher himself should un- From today’s perspective it seems cause there were too many communists have pretty much wasted the prestige here. And if the does some- derstand his authority a little different- that people were very united in on the ’s candidate list. we had abroad thanks to Havel. I would thing unacceptable, it’ll growl a bit in ly. It’s similar to when you’re a parent – 1989, and they held together with a have easily overlooked all the pettiness disagreement. Even that may be enough. your children think you know everything fair amount of enthusiasm. In the end, you spent two years as and gaffes, but I’m bothered by Zeman’s until five or six years old. But then you This is always something of a dangerous a member of parliament, and in courtship of Russia and . That’s a Could you name what has sur- have to show that you too don’t know Forum SpecialForum Issue SpecialForum Issue optical illusion. Even though half a mil- 2003 you were even a candidate for serious and dangerous thing. prised you the most in a positive things, otherwise you lose your authority. lion people gathered on Letná plain, it’s president. How did that happen? and negative sense over the past still a small figure – five percent of the Representatives of the Social Demo- Is it President Zeman who is polar- thirty years? population. You have to watch out for crats came to the faculty to ask me if ising Czech society? For me the most striking manifestation this illusion – that we’re “all for one”. I’d be willing to run. At the time I was Yes, and I think he consciously supports of changes for the good would be how

Interview Yes, a significant portion of citizens the dean of a new faculty and I had the it. And the personal assaults on people our cities look, how the houses, factories Interview wanted freedom, but not all. feeling that a person could do more outside politics, on judges or journal- and stores look – how the environment there than at Prague Castle. Neverthe- ists that the Castle trots out from time we normally live in looks. The difference When were you approached to be less, I felt a kind of social responsibility to time, that’s certainly not the role of a is huge and very significant. actively involved in the events of not to refuse such an offer. And I also president. What’s negative is probably the con- the time? didn’t want Václav Klaus to win. I knew stant desire to gripe. I realised that many I had helped with something a couple of him from before, and although I have a Is Czech society really divided into of my friends, including dissidents, think times, and after New Year’s I was work- certain respect for him, I didn’t think he “Prague café society” and every- that their role is to constantly criticise ing at the magazine Přítomnost [Pres- would make a good president. one else, as Zeman claims? something. ence] with . Only before the “Prague café society” is a typical cliché elections (Editor’s note: which took place In the end, Klaus won. What is your and more than enough people imagine For many years you taught and lec- in June 1990) did my colleagues come to evaluation of his presidency? snobs who don’t do anything. There’s a tured at the university. You were me to say that I had to run for office be- I am not here to throw dirt on presi- distaste for education hidden behind it. the education minister. What’s the dents, but I have the feeling that it’s With these diatribes, Miloš Zeman en- state of Czech education? Prof. PhDr. Jan Sokol, Ph.D., CSc. Since 1991 he has lectured in gone to the dogs. Of course Václav Hav- courages and attracts the truly non-edu- Education responds very sensitively to philosophy, anthropology and religious studies at the Pedagogical I would have easily el’s personality would be hard to meas- cated, who have complexes about these society around it. Teachers and head- Faculty and Faculty of Arts at Charles University, and since 2000 overlooked all the pettiness ure up to, but Václav Klaus understood it things. Hence the resistance to educa- masters have been given more leeway in at the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University. Dean of the as being that he had to disparage Havel’s tion as such, which today is quite a dan- recent years, and this of course is good. Faculty of Humanities at Charles University (2000–2007), Gold and gaffes, but I’m bothered legacy, which seemed rather stupid. And gerous thing. But on the other hand – the idea of edu- Medal of Charles University (2016), Order of the Legion of Honour (2008). by Zeman’s courtship of his tug-of-war with the cation has been very differentiated, and From 1990 to 1992 he was a member of the Federal Assembly was embarrassing. It damaged us a lot. it’s difficult to agree on something. Russia and China. That’s How else has society changed since for the Civic Forum; from 1997 to 2011 he was an advisor to the As for the rest, the foreign policy of 1989? Take a little thing like math on the a serious and dangerous Czech minister of education, and was minister of education from our last couple of presidents has been Aside from the immensely essential high school leaving exams. Although the January to July 1998. In 2003, he lost in the presidential election thing. very strange. Klaus and Miloš Zeman factual changes, I’m pleased with how subject is not popular, it’s essential for to Václav Klaus.

4 5 A journey into the world of knowledge

The events of November 1989 brought about a number of changes at Charles University. The foundations of a free and proud university, upon which Prague’s education stands to this day, had to be built in just a few months.

STORY BY Lucie Kettnerová, Martin Rychlík PHOTOS BY Jakub Langhammer, Charles University archive Forum SpecialForum Issue SpecialForum Issue

During the November strikes, the lead- The university gets back on its feet honoured with the first place alongside ership of the faculties behaved in dif- A number of difficult tasks awaited the Finnish rector who organised the ferent ways toward the students. The Charles University’s new leadership. event,” recalled Radim Palouš, the first dean of the Faculty of Mathematics A free academic life had to be created post-November rector 10 years ago, for

Spotlight and Physics supported the students, the from scratch and a sense of belonging Forum. The university was also viewed Spotlight dean of the Faculty of Arts stood against began to be built. The role of the uni- positively at dozens of other universities them and the dean of the Faculty of versity at the time was quite negligible around the world. “It was enough to say, Education even issued a ban on “post- because before 1989 the faculties had ‘I never guessed, never dreamed I’d see ing any materials on Faculty premises, considerable powers. The professional you face to face’ and I, a representative including the access path in front of the level in many fields, especially the hu- of a university that until recently was Faculty”. manities and social sciences, was poor cursed behind the , was im- University rector Zdeněk Češka de- and research activities at a number of mediately welcomed,” he added. Palouš, cided to resign at the beginning of De- workplaces were largely neglected. along with Czech Technical University cember under pressure from the student Other personnel issues also had to be Rector Stanislav Hanzl, were at the cre- and civic movements. At the faculties, a resolved. The university sought to quick- ation of the Rectors’ Club of Czechoslo- preparatory academic council was creat- ly purge institutions and teachers tied to vakia, later renamed according to inter- ed to bring together students, teachers the totalitarian regime – it abolished the national convention to the Conference and employees; they sent four represent- Institute of Marxism-Leninism and re- of Rectors of the Czech Republic. atives – two students and two teachers – habilitated unjustly persecuted students, to select a new rector. The election took teachers and employees. Property returns to universities place on 19 January 1990 between two Prague education also had to regain From the very beginning, the Prague candidates – Zdeněk Lojda, a professor its position in the international universi- university owned dormitories and facul- of pathological anatomy at the Faculty ty community, which was very accom- ty buildings. But a fundamental change of General Medicine, and Associate Pro- modating to representatives of the oldest came with the Higher Education Act fessor Radim Palouš – and Palouš was university in . of 1950: university buildings and stu- Students chosen as rector. Following his propos- “In 1990, a world rectors’ conference dent club property were nationalised at a rally in the Albertov district, al, on 26 January the Academic Council was held in Helsinki with more than 500 and the universities became users only. Prague 1989. elected five vice-rectors. participants, and Charles University was The property, including real estate, was

6 7 8 Spotlight Forum Special Issue of the Charles University.of Charles the Foundation the states Charter IV.),” Charles (King of rule our year second inthe ty-Eight, andFor Hundred Thirteen of April of Year the of OurLord Sevenththe Day of Month the Majesty. on inPrague, Done of our by seal the confirmed drafted be it that andordered ry. “We have charter this had histoA very andbright long - - modernisation focused on thetechni- focused modernisation the university’s 650th anniversary. The at the Carolinum on the occasionof ties have alsobeenrebuilt. Viničná street.- facili A numberofsports on on Karlovo náměstíandalaboratory in the hospitalarea an animalfacility of the Faculty ofScienceatNaSlupi, in the BotanicalGarden as greenhouses cared forsmallerbuildings as well, such Medicine inPlzeň. The universityalso of the Facultyice and of the deanery street,ing onČerná buildings inJinon- ings through purchase, suchasabuild - ed in the Tyrš HouseinMaláStrana. which until then hadpreviouslyoperat- ulty ofPhysical EducationandSport, ovice. Today itis the locationof the Fac- Prague 6, the so-called Sorbonne in Vok- the Czechoslovak in CommunistParty Science of the CentralCommitteeof CollegeofPoliticalarea of the former the otherhand, itmanaged to gain the inPlzeň).building of the deanery On ing inHradecKrálové – Třebeš and a Lobkovic chateauinNeratovice, abuild- streets,and Černá the Svatava villa, the Prague, buildings onDlouhá, Řeznická ings due to restitution(forexamplein forced to leave a total of12build- 1998. ment to the HigherEducation Act of to universities afteranamend- returned A reconstruction was also carried out out wasA reconstruction alsocarried The university acquiredotherbuild - ,In the university thewas society asa whole. notonlyCharlesUniversity but serving frastructure, includingnewlaboratories, school laid the foundationfornewin- investment funds, andEUstructural the vet Revolution. to Thanks inlargepart of the theturbulentdays during Velof - tan approach that we couldonlydream ideas, afreshoutlookandcosmopoli- more than 9‚000 today! new They bring decades, goingfromjust913 in1989 to overincreased tenfold students three andstudents.ers The numberofforeign research- moreinternational draws far faculties,different CharlesUniversity changed significantlyand today, with 17 The atmosphereat the university varied,More andmodern open were restored. floor, andseveral Carolinummonuments Hall was added to the building’s ground was installed,history the newEmperor’s exhibitionof the university’spermanent floor;the first in a thebasementareas access to establishment ofbarrier-free cal safeguardingof the building and the output in top scientific journals. intop scientific output publication Index, measuring Nature prestigious onthe university anyCzech higher than other ranking research, inbasic is now aleader Academy Czech the together of Sciences, with in Plzeň and HradecKrálové. University, Charles at facilities faculties new state-of-the-art opened severalOver last the yearsfor example, CU excellence emphasising university inscience. aresearch as itself prides University Charles attractive for Scientists FacilitiesModern are 1989 913 in1989 University at Charles of foreignersNumber studying 21,091 in1989 of students Number

2019 faculty. youngest university’s is the (IZV), Humanities and of Arts Liberal Institute the 2000 from founded on1August The Faculty of Humanities, place. inits was established Sciences Faculty of Social inMay wasJournalism closed 1990,and the After Faculty the of of negotiations, aseries Carolinum. the took place on 24 1990atuniversity September faculties to the admission of allthree ceremonial University. of Charles The faculties part as incorporation the oftheological the confirmed The new HigherEducation Act of May 1990 of Hygiene). Faculty the Faculty (formerly 3rd ofthe Medicine Faculty the of Pediatrics) (formerly and Medicine Faculty 2ndFaculty the Medicine), of of General the Faculty 1st (formerly of Medicine names: following the they use new facultythe statutes, to According focus. intheir changes significant from faculties resulting Prague medical of the names achange inthe 1990 brought 17 faculties Now are there 9,094 in2019 University at Charles of foreignersNumber studying 48,475 in2018 of students Number 17

9 Spotlight Forum Special Issue 10 Profile Forum Special Issue of the Carolinum (1990). of Carolinum the President VáclavPresident Havel eevs i Dr. c. h. his receives at the ancient hallat ancient the

TEXT BYTEXT of Czechoslovakia.later president the as acouple of university months the visited Forum. Civic of the Havelheadquarters the himat theatre, Laterna Magika the see Engels or went (now to riverfront, Rašín) Václavvisited Havel former inhisflat onthe In November 1989, andDecember students Lucie Kettnerová doctorate to honorary From prison á lv Havel: Václav troduced at the beginning of troduced at the ceremony.the beginning him and sincereapplause greeted when he was in- to hisfriend Adam Michnik. Spontaneous, long November 2009, doctorate to presentanhonorary 1999. slovak between andCzech foreignpolicy 1989 and In them, Havel consideredkeyissuesofCzecho - doctoral studentsandadvanced master’s students. 12 of these lectures, and they were intendedfor ies of the Faculty ofSocialSciences. There were Stud - 1999/2000 for the InstituteofInternational oflectureshepreparedin the academic yearpart dent meetingat the Faculty of orLaw,Arts oras ber ofoccasionssince1990, whether it was astu- Václav Havel visited CharlesUniversityonanum- The last time he visited the Carolinum was in PHOTOS BY Charles University archive University Charles which inhiscase was personal. very speech,with the otherrecipientsand gave ashort appeared beforeacrowded Grand Assembly Hall son to receive itat the freeCharles University. He respect after1990. Václav Havel was per - the first ures who visited Prague. Itregaineditsdignityand lost its value because it was awarded to politicalfig- Grand Assembly Hallof the Carolinum. in the publicgraduations and sociallifeduring inscientific,inent personalities cultural, political since the early19th century. Itisawarded to prom- type ofhonor asacertain of the ruler agreement causa) hasbeenawarded by the university with the doctorate (doctorhonoris The title ofhonorary causa honoris Doctor After 1948, doctoratesomewhat the honorary

11 Profile Forum Special Issue 12 Profile Forum Special Issue of VH in memory 3× 2 recipient ofscholarship. the recipient wasIn 2019, student an Azerbaijani the or even study. impossible to difficult it world inthe makes anywhere regimes and unfree authoritarian totalitarian, of forpeople repression the whom tended for foreign and students both The Václav Havel isin scholarship scholarship Student

1 - versity at time. the versity Uni - clav of Charles rector Hampl, the after studies of European him,” Vá said to specialisation this name we decided That iswhy politician. agreat also but was onlyan excellent not playwright, And he principles. moral and virtuous life was by hisentire strong guided “In Václav Havel who aperson we see sities. univer European ation of prestigious guaranteed by EUROPAEUM,- an associ inOxford, Parissities and Leiden, and is univer developed with incooperation after Václav Havel. Theprogram was master’s specialisation its ally named - ceremoni University In 2013, Charles Master’s specialisation slav Seifert Prize year. this slav Seifert Jaro the received Miroslav Petříček, by ennoir” “Filosofie publications, est Oneof lat the figures. leading us from world onthe around perspectives ous vari isto- present of editions the role The bears. it name whose president philosopher, and dissident playwright, of the activity intellectual onthe builds house, publishing of Carolinum the The Václav Havel ispart which Editions, editions Book dissident Havel. formerhusband, Havlová her beside Olga First Lady 3 - - - - - D university famous. moraldignify the traditionmade this that only they suffered for theirtruth, they andpolicecells where underground of this famed university from the the lecturehallsandacademicfunctions If gotoday philosophers straight into uphis give truth? at the stakerather than himself burned famous rector, MasterJan Hus, who had with this university. Was itnotitsmost love. That sameideaisinseparably linked and momentbyfirst theideaof truth was guidedfrom the very Our rebellionagainst violence and … ofpublicoffice. the gravitas who – likeallmen –knewandhonoured the contrary, it was probablymy father, president of this country. On that day, on December oflast year, when Ibecame the life. It’s probablymorejoyous than 29 of the mostjoyous daysofherheavenly exists – then my motherishavingone you dearRadim, have nodoubt that it passed away. If there isaheaven – and it’s beenseveral years sincemy mother even ifIdidn’t studyhere, properly and wanted me to beadoctorhere,history get adoctorate here. God, ordestiny, or end ofherdays, dreamed that I would Czech university. Mymother, to the becoming astudentat this mostfamous All my youth Idreamed in vain of

Radim Palouš, esteemedguests, ear Rector, my dearfriend honorary doctorate. honorary ofitasa bearer ofits myself aspart obligation that Imaycontinue to consider honourfor meandagreat It isagreat university. the and task ofscholars therefore of this ourselves areinspired. itis Inspiring Our state if will inspireothers we interests. the cultofmaterial force,kindness against brute violence and war ofspirit, responsibility, tolerance and can onlybefaced inone way, which isa apocalypse today dangers ofplanetary us thatthe around everyone indicate to the inspiration we it.to give Letus try passivity.term This installment will be debtcreatedbyourlong- world agreat such astate, we will berepaying the foundations. If we succeedinbuilding foundations but onmoral andspiritual a state that doesnotstandonideological areagainphilosophers helping to rebirth, state, spiritual astate which be a truly weto build again arestarting today, will was founded byaphilosopherand which the desireandhope that the state, which hope. Indeed, desireandmy great great conclude my remarksbyexpressingmy Please allow me, distinguishedguests, to 13 Profile Forum Special Issue 14 Interview Forum Special Issue turned intoaLeader turned He diverted part of the people who part He diverted ards! We’reto Wenceslasgoing Square!” a andshouted: “Don’t becow- ro, the then-activist John Bokgotupon When people were leavingfor the met- centre. went to it city then the grave but Mácha, ofHynek Karel went march The to Vyšehrad, to the whistled off thestage. gave aspeechfullofphrasesandhe was Czechoslovak SocialistUnionof Youth], ers. A representative of the svazáks [the Klímaandoth- physics studentMartin scathing speech, asdid the mathand University rectorfrom1953–1957) gave a Miroslav Katětov (Editor’s note: Charles at Albertov. For example, the academic addressed the crowd speakers various that werefor thetime,ners bold and along with the students. Somehadban- people came. Olderpeople were there Certainly. Ifonlybecausesomany more at time? people the among phere youCould feel adifferent atmos Street. Albertov went to the studentdemonstrationon situation. I’d plannedonitanyway, soI again, on the andheaskedme to report didn’t want to be “preventively” arrested at hiscottageHrádečekbecausehe Václav Havel intentionallyremained 1989?ber How did you experience 17Novem How STORY BY Hanzel recalled. daysturbulent of November 1989 together, which lovea shared They of lived music. also the through They in1986,together met brought president. by secretary, term as hisentire including personal Vladimír years, Hanzel wasFor thirty Václav Havel’s Rychlík Novák,Jiří Martin Václav - - men usedaloudspeaker to callforus to police vehicles.of armoured Police- store, we couldseein the distancea wall and approached the Májdepartment Communist Party. of against the Czechoslovakthe leaders time, andpeople were shoutingslogans mosphere was completelyunusualat the joined. aspassers-by growing The at- down the Vltava riverbank, anditkept the march went alongadifferentroute, ter things calmeddown. Meanwhile, and we only went outaftera while, af- other people to the nearestbuilding had hishelmetknockedoff. Iran with into the crowd;when herushed another fromhim cop hadhisbatonstripped themselves getpassively beaten. One mosphere, andpeoplejustdidn’t let By then there was amoremilitantat- that? to How react march inthe did people indiscriminately. Reallybrutally. beating gotanorderandstarted Corps] ward. The SNBs[theNationalSecurity of the march, and they pushedusfor- idea of what was goingonat the front to disperse. But those behindushadno way to Karlovo náměstíandcalledonus [thepolice]blocked the Public Security cordon was standing there. of Members reached Vyšehradská Street, andapolice were comingdown from Vyšehrad. We As we passed the National Theatre PHOTO BY Vladimír Šigut

Havel on. The situation was unclear. On top of their bodiessecretly crematedandso secretly taken Godknows where and example aboutseveral dead who were ious whispers were goingaround – for Yes, it was acomplicated time and var- Šmíd. Martin student of death the the about At swarmed speculation time, the strike. decided they the theatres wouldjoin the earlier,be performed. Butafewhours play, TheGardenParty,to supposed was ofHavel’scollage that includedpart went tothetheatre, a theatrical where came to Pragueandin the evening we The nextday, as we’d agreed. Václav you inperson? other each to see How take did long it for two the of found outabout that later. crackdown.no ideaof the brutal We that happened.everything We stillhad the phonerang. to Idescribed Václav Havel athome. As soonasIgot home, At nineI was supposed to call Václav I was there untilabouthalfpasteight. Were you end? the until there and moreintoasmallspace. rounded and were beingsqueezedmore It moved forward slowly. We were sur- from the other side, behindourbacks. disperse. Suddenlyacordonappeared

had to bedecisive, and in- orders giving a decisive response fromhim. And he to himandexpected ly everyone turned working toward formany years. Sudden- was the resultofsomethinghe’d been tion likeageneral. For him, November November to func- hesuddenly started with asenseofhumor, polite, modest. In I knewHavel asarathershy introvert revolutionary days?those VáclavDid Havel change during lent inmany places. vacuumthe information that was preva- and helpedbreak places in the country to moreremote with popularactors ofevents,course but they also travelled the entire Not onlybecause they started in what crucial was goingonat the time. them.students whowere itwasthe And were here. There were many moreof and Pavel Žáček, student, ajournalism School of the Academy ofPerforming Arts) ,of Arts) IgorChaun(theFilmand TV ika Pajerová University Faculty (Charles of Medicine)bothstoodout, andMon- Universitystudent at Facultythe Charles University),Charles andJan Bubeník(a (the Faculty ofMathematicsandPhysics at also bold. KlímafromMatfyz Martin moderate, but at the same time he was University)more wasScience atCharles mon Pánek (astudentfrom the Faculty of ulty] was revolutionary, very andŠi- Academy ofMusical Arts’ Theatre Fac- fromDAMU Mejstřík [the Martin most? the out stood who time, at the leaders student the Among together.that wepull meetingsofOF. Itternal was important government at the time, as well asin- in the negotiations with take part the (OF). Havel himselfdemanded that he of the CivicForum at the headqarters of course, intensified contactsgreatly ten, andafter the events ofNovember, Students came to Havel’s of- apartment before revolution?dents the VáclavDid Havel stu the with meet celeratedsituation). the victims either; nevertheless, ac- this rumor Šmíd (Editor’s note: He wasn’t among the at home. But there was anotherMartin was nonsense, was sleeping that Martin was alsoin the theatre, andshe told usit killed. Buthismother, Jana Šmídová, Šmídhadbeen that the studentMartin for , cameinto the theatre saying that,Žantovský,all Michael whoworked - on Words” ashisacceptance speech, go there inperson, but he wrote “Words fore the Velvet Revolution. Hecouldn’t sellers Association inFrankfurt, justbe- The Peace Book - of the German Prize tolot him? What was a that meant something torates, diplomasandawards. doc- where hehungallofhishonorary hallway near the bathroominHrádeček spective. Hehada “Hall ofFame” in the senseofper- with humilityandacertain much.very Butheapproached them heappreciatedallof them Of course How awards? didperceive he these inMay University 1990.Charles doctorates, from one including Havel received several honorary el’s onFacebook. death 2011ber hewas to Hav announce first the On18Decem inPrague. Jewish Museum center of andcultural theof education the 2006–2008 director the Education, from executive of Minister the of of Cabinet the From 2003–2006tariat. hewas chief the Václav Havel, of hissecre director andthe of dissidentand later the tary President Fromic. 1989 secre to 2003 personal the Vladimír andcrit Hanzel Musicjournalist ty that fell to himunexpectedly. structions. responsibili- Hefelt the great - - - - - continue to bebeneficial. future,in the and that thesethings will that many people will beinspired byhim ture, are timeless. Iamdeeplyconvinced or the considerate treatment ofna- rights cated, forexamplein the fieldofhuman Many of the things Václav Havel advo- wouldn’t becompletelyobjective ofme. ter all, Ilive inmy socialbubble, andit to avoid these judgmentsbecauseaf- post−1989 president. prefer Ipersonally people considerHavel to be the best lished in which alargepercentageof I think so. A survey was recentlypub - onate insociety? VáclavDoes Havel’s legacy res still were at the ceremony. and PresidentRichard von Weizsäcker What’s more, ChancellorHelmutKohl by the popular actorMaximilianSchell. which was readat the award ceremony - 15 Interview Forum Special Issue 16 Emeritus Forum Special Issue into the free worldthe into and Out of shadows September 2015. September tor 1994;Professor Palouš until in died rec as Heserved in highereducation. era of ina turbulent changes university of free the “pilot” first the He became Palouš. Radim spokesman 77 Charter and 1990to philosopher the in January later alawyer, over handed hisposition and Czechoslovak Party Communist normalization-era inthe a politician Češka, for 14years. almost university vember the 1989; at led hehad time the No during University at Charles rector was the ZdeněkLaw professor Češka Free university! the PHOTOS BY inside the university during their service. their during university inside the miraculous backlook onthe year of 1989 andevents University’s post-revolution Charles emeriti rectors STORY BY Martin Rychlík Martin Jan Smit, Vladimír Šigut, René Volfík Vladimír Šigut, Smit, Jan injustice

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colleagues. lifeby totalitarian working with foreign to breakfreefrom the closedcircleof ference in the university’s lifeandI tried a lawyer, I was afraidof the party’s inter - bitter lifein the eraofnormalisation. As life of the university andIshared their ence of the power into the of the party affectedbyall theinterfer- personally closely linked to the university. I was as the lifeofmy entirefamily, hasbeen myself, arealrevolution. Mylife, as well change forCharlesUniversity andfor November 1989 was afundamental history.in its 1994to rector 505th the 1999as from teaching University’s Charles led who history, of legal Malý, aprofessor Karel injustice,” totalitarian with recalls “We to had system change the and deal “A revolution” real

which was precededby the difficultre- ofitsfounding (in1998),anniversary ments was the celebrationof the 650th university’s post-November develop- global universities. Charles University into the network of eration accessibleandagainincluded coop- madeinternational agreements sities (…)Numerousinter-university the systemof the world’s freeuniver- itinto the requirement to incorporate into ademocraticinstitutionandfulfil university the fundamentally transform for the activityofacademicbodies – to Charles University, to createnewrules to establish democraticorderat essary thesamesuffering. At timeit was nec- glimpse into the depthofinjusticeand itation, what openedupbeforeus was a and study. were deprived of the ability to research andstudents number of teachers who injustices that affected anunbelievable requests to eliminate legitimate the cruel deal same timeto with the at the also demands, andideological ty merit but and titles, to remove the residueofpar- conditions ofawarding scientificdegrees in them. We notonlyhad to change the to playasignificant role good fortune fundamental changesandIhad the I think that the culmination of the culmination I thinkthatthe While discussingrequestsforrehabil- November 1989 opened the way for provision, which would soonberegu - of temporary erantly passedas asort new HigherEducation Act were tol- in it. role Charles University played acrucial a considerableinfluenceonits design; newly-established university bodieshad tion ad-hocbasis,Act ona very and the sembly passed the newHigherEduca- in unacceptableshape. The Federal As- the conditionsforacademiclife were “Velvet Revolution” andalsobecause quest due to the roleofstudentsin the re- universities bothasalegitimate ities afterNovember 1989 was given to Considerable attentionbystateauthor- 2006. until it 2000and wielded ary Februover from - insignia rector’s the says physicist Ivan Wilhelm took, who level at same the teaching,” as tivity ac to was place scientific “It essential for other exampleA shining Prof. JUDr. Malý, Karel DrSc. community, itsstudentsand teachers. the selfless work of theentireuniversity time –thanksto short incredibly an in ed inNovember 1989 was completed changing world. - The process that start and roleofuniversities inanuncertain, ourideasabout the position marising foreign rectors, Igave alectureonsum- in the presenceofalargedelegation a speechbyPresident Václav Havel and the Vladislav HallinPragueCastle, after tion andin the world. At aceremony in its mission, itsroleinsociety, ineduca- presented itselfasunited, consciousof ing. It community wasour thenthat of the Carolinumbuild- construction A numberof “imperfections” in the s - amazing times ofmy life. I’llnever stop followed were definitelyamong themost November 1989 and the months that Senate. ofCzech the amember became 2006to 2014, from he when university physiologist massive euphoria,” about saysbrought regime of hideous the collapse “The time amazing most The IvanProf. Ing. Wilhelm, CSc. international academicfora. international in building our university’s reputationin education. hashelpedgreatly This fact allel cooperationbetween scienceand atively rapidlyintroduceasystemofpar- wide diversityofdisciplinesand to rel- ceeded inputtingforward asufficiently throughout CharlesUniversity, we suc- dition notbeingacceptedautomatically recognised institution. Despite this con- versity asanimportant, internationally roleinestablishingCharlesUni- crucial level aseducationalactivityplayed a forces.centrifugal one universityunit without any signsof facultiesare 17 self-confident working as are pleased to say that atpresent there steps. constructive lic totake And we other universities in the CzechRepub- asanexample to anumberof served adjustments. CharlesUniversity then community of the meaningfulnessof the were setup to convince the academic becausenewrelationships primarily this processatCharlesUniversity was to universityautonomy. The successof independence tion fromstrongfaculty circumstance was thetransi- important lated byanotheramendment(…) An Putting scientificactivityat thesame Václav the Hampl led , who Prof. RNDr. Václav Hampl, DrSc. workers andpartners. proud ofmy almamater, itsstudents, university hasdone well. This is why I’m ones)have shownimportant that the ic publicationsandespecially the most in pan-Europeancomparisons, scientif- even anddepartures Erasmus arrivals (the numberofforeignstudents, record ing values ofanumberparameters this created.opportunities The soar- of the tant tasks most wasmake the to ly thereafter, oneof the mostimpor- Europe”.“Back to the strongestslogansofNovember ‘89: demic Senate, oneof I then experienced of the CharlesUniversity chairman Aca- institution ofademocraticstate. As the intoafree undergone a transformation of the millennium, ouruniversityhad before the end USA. When Ireturned at the University ofMinnesota in the with five ofpostdoctoral years work en my outlook professionalandpersonal Shared positive energyisahugeforce. ‘89 for today, let’s lookin this direction! want someinspiration fromNovember several we weeksencouraging. If was treat ourselves together in this way for fulness. ofbeingable to The experience humour, mutualkindnessand thought- ofjoyof belonging, and overflowing November 1989 is the ubiquitoussense our utmost to succeed. for what would happenandinsteaddo also with the need to not wait passively nese comradeshalfa year earlier, and would follow the exampleof their Chi- about whether cerns the Communists euphoria. it First was mixed with con- quickly, my feeling was oneofmassive And to collapse then when itstarted They causedafeelingofhopelessness. I’veyears becomeeven moreconvinced. the regime we lived in –and through the I was young about the hideousnessof from the 1950s;oners I’ve known since ence it. that I being grateful was- able to experi - And when Ibecamerectorshort I usedmy acquiredfreedom to broad- of A ofmywonderful memory part - ofpoliticalpris I comefromafamily 17 Emeritus Forum Special Issue 18 Interview Forum Special Issue demonstration andlast Our first STORY BY would have animpact onsociety. such Šumavain the What expect didn’t he forest. was that it dueto atemporary personally job init participate not dictatorship inCzechoslovakia. Paradoxically, did he communist the against best-knownof the On 17November 1989, Pánek Šimon organized one loud? What do you think? And suddenlyeverything tries, that you’d never get to speak your mindout see anything other than acoupleofsocialistcoun- months earlieritappeared that you’d never get to destroyed the lives of your family, when acoupleof falls? The sameCommunism which how many times in your lifedoesithappen that perception. So we were inabitof trance. But perday,three orfourhours and that affects your At the time we littlesleep, gotbyon very maybe havemust somewhat intermingled for you. years later events the Thirty revolution of the Jitka JiřičkováJitka PHOTO BY Luboš WišniewskiLuboš end, which at wasthat specificmoment. really true when you’re aboutits oneof the peoplebringing get to be there. You even have anintensefeeling changes, and offate,thanks to asingular turn you in the CivicForum. Ialsocan’t forgetmy appear - role andclearleadership his undisputed charisma time, andit wasn’t justme that heimpressed with That was for the first when Isawhiminperson Definitely theconsultations with Václav Havel. evenout, after years? allthese anyIs there that powerful sticks moment work or to contribute to it. willingness amongpeople to help, to do volunteer a littleisnormal.” To this day there’s muchless nally – in the sense that lying, cheatingandstealing long time very to getCommunismoutofusinter- relatively quicklyeconomically, but it will take a inorder.generations to geteverything We’re going ofmoralsandsometimes evenline in terms the law. out thingsthat wereoveroften the people totry treme, where newly-gained freedomenabledsome it wasly permitted forbidden, to the oppositeex- state economy, where ifsomething wasn’t explicit- ly, the pendulumswung fromacentrally-managed which ifpossible would beforeveryone.- Logical andmarketeconomy,ing afunctionaldemocracy because we didn’t have anyinbuild- experience I thought it Of course would allbeeasier. Firstly in November 1989? for How Czechsociety did you future the see sion ofhishumility. this event themselves.” anexpres- It was certainly told them: “No, don’t go there. Let the studentsdo in the demonstration.participation Václav Havel dissidents thatthewerediscussing their we learn would beStuha’s andlastevent. first Onlylaterdid jobinŠumava.rary Itdidn’t occur to me that it but I wasn’t onNárodní třída. Ileftfora tempo- Yes, it’s aparadox – I’moneof the studentleaders, tion. you demonstra inthe But participate didn’t harder time banning it. that becauseof that the Communists would have a ly. ItStudents’was International Day, and we said didn’t choose the dateof17 November random- publicly get word outaboutitinadvance. We also Because it was permitted, and we were able to you manage to attract many to so people it? demonstration – 17November 1989. How did You one managed actually to just organise formers.. much moreoverrun with undercover copsorin- Communist Party. The socialsciencesfields were the environment, were outside the interestsof the that naturalsciences fact topics, maybeexceptfor demonstrations. This was probablyalsodue to the and Imet with alotofpeople from there at the openenvironment,The faculty was alreadyafairly ?the like look What atence. endof did it the there At you time at Faculty the the studied of Sci and waited onmy every word. of amillionpeoplestoodbelow me when aquarter ance on the balcony Palace, of the Melantrich I remembermy father’s words: “It will take two - - and inlifegeneral. found usefulbothinmy work in People InNeed Above all to deal with problemsexactly, which I’ve What did youScience. learn? You for four studied years at Faculty the of tion was auniversity degree, andIdidn’t have that. to join their bureaucratic apparatus. But the condi- received Communist countries offers from formerly When we entered the Union, acoupleofpeople a careerasseniorofficialin theEuropeanUnion. sorry. At the same time itprobablysaved mefrom it would bebetter to endit. I Ofcourse was alittle accumulated seemedoutdated to me, andsoIsaid frommy far diploma took me thesis.very The data People InNeed, to travel andIstarted the world. It back to school, but in the meantime we founded tion. myAfter studies.‘89 Iinterrupted Ididgo A little, yes. things Oneshouldbring to comple- education? sity you yourdon’t completing not regret univer youthing at could given But the moment. you’veI assume always to tried best dothe happened. ber what ugees. Twelve hundredcamehereand you remem- For example, they managed to acceptamillionref- capable ofgoing through socialupheavals.various self-reflection. Suchasocietyis thenmuchmore now, and they have postwar undergoneagreat many, forexample, hasinvested inforfifty years tion foractive citizenship, something which Ger- I’d say that we have underestimatededuca- greatly what hand, have other On the we failed at? countryside. and the greatly, with the restorationofmonuments, cities nomically, andcommunallifehasmoved forward than ishealthy. Oursocietyismoving forward eco- We ourselvesmayhave moreskepticisminus far doing, they’lltell you that we’refor them.model a If howyou askpeopleinUkraineorGeorgia we’re in now? a revolution. doyou What phase we’re think of anevolution more being as opments than After change devel the you future estimated was of Year. awarded the European covering world. the In2000, he around news crisisareas from date. Heco-founded aprivate Epicentrum, information agency of Nations of Federal the hisman Assembly, from resigned but hewas to democratic House elections the elected first Inthe tion. of Velvet the leaders later oneof student the hebecame Revolu- Ayear inArmenia. of to anearthquake an assistance victims the - humanitari pre-revolution was of first the organiser main the operated has that since1994.In1988, he anorganisation In Need, PánekŠimon co-founder isthe andexecutive of People director - - - 19 Interview Forum Special Issue The Velvet

Revolution University Heidelberg Sorbonne of Milan University University …as seen by our 4EU+ Alliance partners The 1989 Velvet Revolution, with its On the 30th anniversary of the “Velvet The Velvet Revolution was a wondrous twofold character of strength but also Revolution”, Heidelberg University most display of liberty. It was a relief after the STORY BY Martin Rychlík moderation, has consolidated among warmly congratulates Charles Univer- terrible events of ‘68. It was a triumph Italians a positive image of Prague and sity and expresses its solidarity with her for values we hold dear: democracy, its artistic, cultural and political herit- Czech partners. human rights, free-thinking, and free age. The election of a poet, writer, and The significance and implications of expression. philosopher like Václav Havel as a guide this historical event which began as a It started with student protests, an of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1990, student revolution and resulted in the amazing and humbling reminder of our was perceived in and in Europe as peaceful transition of power in what was role in society: universities are places for a major signal that a new era was begin- then Czechoslovakia, are particularly ideas to grow, for the youth to challenge ning, marked by increasing dialogue and well appreciated in Heidelberg and Ger- the status quo – and we should keep nur- cooperation. many as a whole. turing such drive in our communities. Our rector, Elio Franzini, emphasiz- Indeed, in November, Germany will It evoked our collective Europe- University es that our university, over the last 30 also be celebrating one of the most im- an spirit, harkening back to the Age of of Warsaw years, has continuously dedicated con- portant events in post-war Germany: the Enlightenment, and paved the way for University of ferences and lectures to different mo- peaceful fall of the Wall on 9 No- a united Europe, founded on solidari- After the end of World War II, the coun- Copenhagen ments in Czech history. As an example, vember 1989. Just one week before the ty and harmonious cooperation among tries of Western Europe enjoyed dem- a major conference entitled “The Fall “Velvet Revolution”, and set in a very peers. Universities are at the forefront of ocratic freedom and the free market I grew up in post-war Europe. During ing their time of separation. Almost of the : Twenty Years Later”, was similar political context, the fall of the this project. economy, whereas countries of Central my childhood, the division of Europe like a family. We were established with organized at the University of Milan in marked the beginning of a Indeed, the memory of the Velvet Forum SpecialForum Issue Forum SpecialForum Issue

and Eastern Europe had to face crimi- in two blocs, East and West, was a fact. the same purpose and we share the 2009, bringing together scholars and reunited Germany. Revolution should inspire us all – as nal communist regimes. The years 1956, It was just the way things were. The same basic ideas: that research and re- some of the main protagonists of those Heidelberg University is honoured to institutions and individuals – to keep 1968, 1981 and finally 1989 demonstrat- , and especially the fear of a search-based education are essential for events, such as Václav Havel and Lech share with Charles University not only fighting, together, for the values we ed that their spirit of freedom could not devastating nuclear war, was a common the development of people and societies. Wałesa. a similar recent history but also a bright share. be broken and that the regimes had to theme in adult conversations. But it was We are even formed by mutual organ- The rector is also glad to announce common future, especially as partners in fall. Poles, who were already enjoying also implicitly understood that a divid- isational inspiration; the University of that today, in order to remember the the recently founded 4EU+ European Serge Fdida the first non-communist Prime Minister ed Europe was not how “things used to Copenhagen was initially formed by Velvet Revolution with its profound University Alliance. vice-president 4EU+ Alliance 4EU+ Tadeusz Mazowiecki, watched the “Sa- be”. inspiration from Charles University. So, cultural impact (starting with Havel’s Alliance 4EU+ metová revoluce” with great interest and During my student years at universi- in the bigger picture, we are tied to each legacy) the University of Milan will in- Marc-Philippe Weller supported it wholeheartedly. I myself ty, I visited several Central and Eastern other like siblings. During the Cold War, stall a “Václav Havel bench” in its main vice-rector remember keeping my fingers crossed European countries. The differences be- these ties weakened, but like real sib- building. The artwork will be composed while listening to Václav Havel’s speech- tween our systems were striking, but so lings, who were separated by destiny and by two wooden armchairs alongside a es and hoping that our Czech and were the similarities between our people then reunited, we have quickly found small table next to a tree. The initiative, Slovak friends would succeed. We also and our shared cultural heritage. each other in fruitful cooperation with- part of a large commemorative project cannot forget about the role of universi- In September 1989, one year into my in the EU. I am thrilled that with the launched all over the world, represents ties in the transition of 1989. I can bold- PhD, I attended my first scientific con- establishment of our new partnership an invitation to further dialogue and ly state that the changes of 1989 could ference. It was in Warsaw. A Solidari- 4EU+, we will grow an even deeper and shared reflection. We would indeed like not have taken place without Charles ty-led government had just taken office a more mutually valuable collaboration to to continue the path of educational and University, the University of Warsaw few weeks earlier. It was an overwhelm- the benefit of European society at large. scientific collaboration, at every possible and many others. Professors and espe- ing experience to meet young scientists level, made possible by the extensive EU cially students were among the first to from , who were both exhilarat- Henrik C. Wegener framework of projects and agreements stand up to the regime, despite fears ed and anxious. A reunited Europe was rector as well as by the input of our respective that the regime would take its revenge if suddenly a possibility, but it could not universities, both marked by the idea of they were not successful. Today we can yet be taken for granted. However, a few combining tradition and innovation in a proudly say: Yes, we did it! Congratula- months later, thanks to the Velvet Rev- creative way. tions on the 30th anniversary of the Vel- olution in the Czech Republic and the vet Revolution! , it was clear to all Antonella Baldi that the process was irreversible (…) vice-rector Maciej Duszczyk The universities of Europe have al- The rectors of all six universities in the 4EU+ Alliance at a meeting in Paris. vice-rector ways been interconnected, even dur- CU’s rector, Tomáš Zima, is at the end of the row, on the right.

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