Protection of classical culture on which Europe is based
7.5.2021
Question for written answer E-002467/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Isabella Tovaglieri (ID), Antonio Maria Rinaldi (ID), Alessandro Panza (ID), Silvia Sardone (ID), Stefania Zambelli (ID), Matteo Adinolfi (ID), Elena Lizzi (ID), Simona Baldassarre (ID), Marco Dreosto (ID)
Over the past few days, a US university has decided to close its Department of Classical Studies[1] because such studies are said to be ‘non-inclusive’ and ‘racist’.
Similar initiatives, aimed at censorship and prejudice-based closures with regard to certain historical and cultural aspects of the past, seem to be increasingly widespread in other universities, too. This is dangerously restricting the freedom of expression of students, lecturers and researchers, and, above all, the opportunity for students to receive a comprehensive and open education.
Classical studies form the basis of European culture and Europe’s very identity, as well as being the main vehicle for cardinal concepts in Europe, such as republic, democracy, citizenship, rights and law.
To arbitrarily restrict those studies would mean attacking Europe’s cultural heritage, which also underpins much of our identity and our economy.
In view of this, can the Commission say:
whether it is monitoring the issue and whether it is possible to continue to fund and support universities which, rather than promote culture, are censoring it – behaviour that would cause huge damage to countries such as Italy and Greece;
what its opinion is on these attacks on classical studies, and what stance it intends to take amid such intolerance;
what tools it can put in place to encourage classical studies and the protection of our cultural heritage?
Supporters[2]