The students active in the group had been seeking official accreditation through the University of Regensburg’s designated procedure since 2021. Yet, their applications were repeatedly rejected without specific reasons, with the University describing the goals of the pro-life group as “generally harmful.” 

“Our vision is to spread a culture of life that values both unborn and born life. Our fellow students will one day shape society, which is why we believe it’s important that they hear this message. If we simply withdraw, we give more and more room to those who don’t want us around, and they will think they can do whatever they like. That’s what motivated us to say, ‘No, we’re not going to let this happen here. We also have the right to express our opinion at this university, and we will assert that right.’ We are not the only ones who are being denied accreditation, and that’s why we wanted to show other groups who find themselves in similar situations that it’s worth fighting for your rights.”  

The case offers a key example of the increasing censorship of certain worldviews at universities.  

Discriminated, Censored, Cancelled 

After their initial application in 2021 was rejected, the group again sought accreditation in October 2022. Accreditation is necessary for pro-life students to be active on campus, just like any other student group. Every student pays a semester fee, which finances the infrastructure for all student groups.  

“Without accreditation, we really weren’t able to do anything at the university. We didn’t get rooms, we couldn’t promote events, put up posters, distribute flyers, or advertise our group. At the same time, another accredited student group that promotes abortions, is funded through the fees we are also required to pay every semester,” said Clara, chairperson of the ProLife Europe group.  

Lawsuit Against the University of Regensburg  

With the legal support of ADF International, the student group filed a lawsuit against the university in January 2024 at the Regensburg Administrative Court (AZ: RO 3 K 24.125). In it, they argued that the university should be required to “accredit ProLife Regensburg as a student group.”  

“The deliberate exclusion of pro-life groups is clearly unlawful. The protection of life is an objective of the state, and student civil society plays a role in promoting that as well,” stated Dr. Felix Böllmann.  

In response to the lawsuit, the University of Regensburg offered the student group a settlement in the summer of 2024 with the promise of accreditation. The students were then able to begin their work on campus just before the fall term.  

“This case clearly shows the role of censorship at universities. Hopefully, the legal settlement will strengthen freedom of speech for students across Germany,” Dr. Felix Böllmann stated in response to the resolution.