One minute of silence before classes

Opposition to the use of war, closeness and solidarity of the Polytechnic University of Bari with the civilian population of Gaza

19 September 2025

Considering the ongoing conflict in Palestine and the dramatic escalation of military action in the Gaza Strip, where an ever-growing number of innocent victims, particularly among the civilian population, is paying a very high price in terms of human lives, suffering and deprivation, the Politecnico di Bari believes it cannot remain indifferent. This is stated in a note from the University Academic Senate.

In line with the principles enshrined in the Italian Constitution, which rejects war as a means of resolving international disputes – it continues – and in keeping with the values that inspire the educational and civic mission of the university, the Academic Senate has proposed to all lecturers at the Politecnico di Bari to open the first lecture of each degree programme for the 2025/2026 academic year, scheduled to begin next Monday, 22 September, with one minute of silence.

This symbolic gesture is intended to represent – the Academic Senate states – a firm opposition to the use of war as a political instrument, a sign of closeness and solidarity with the civilian population of Gaza, forced to live in inhumane conditions, and a reminder of the importance of the role of educational institutions as guardians of memory, conscience and collective responsibility.

The minute of silence – it concludes – may be accompanied, at the lecturer’s discretion, by a brief reflection on the value of peace and human dignity.

The article One minute of silence before classes comes from Poliba Chronicle.