Official statement by Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)

In light of recent claims regarding the alleged termination of a USI lecturer for expressing political opinions in support of the Palestinian people, we feel it necessary to provide the following clarification:
 

• There has been no termination of employment. The architect in question served as a lecturer at the USI Academy of Architecture under a six-month contract for two consecutive semesters, with the last contract ending on 31 December 2022. In 2023, he requested a suspension of his teaching duties, and the Academy reorganised its study plan accordingly. Following 31 December 2022, there were no active contracts between him and USI. In February 2025, the architect contacted the Academy's Directorate to propose his services for a new teaching position. He was informed that the study plan for the forthcoming academic year, 2025-2026, had already been established. Furthermore, the Directorate indicated that discussions regarding the subsequent academic year would take place at an appropriate time with the incoming Academy Directorate.
   
• Notification to the Rectorate and the Academy Directorate. In December 2023, the Rectorate and the Academy Directorate received a letter reporting the architect's activity on social media. USI did not conduct a legal or ethical evaluation of the content of the posts because no contract was in place.
   
• Academic freedom and freedom of expression. USI is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the principles of freedom of expression and academic freedom, which are also fundamental tenets established in the legislation governing universities in the Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland. Each member of the academic community possesses the right to express their opinions freely, including political viewpoints, provided that they comply with the USI Code of Ethics and relevant legal frameworks.
   
• USI reserves the right to assert and safeguard its legal rights before the competent authorities