German University Bans Muslim Student Group Over Gender-Segregated Meeting

The Charité Hospital in Neuköllln, Berlin, has banned the MedIslam Collective

A prominent German university has banned a Muslim student group from campus facilities after images surfaced showing a gender-segregated meeting held in one of its lecture halls. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Europe’s largest university hospital and one of Germany’s most prestigious medical institutions, announced the immediate suspension of the Medislam Collective (MSC) from using its premises, citing the need to maintain a “discrimination-free” and inclusive environment.

The controversy erupted after video clips posted on social media showed male and female students seated separately on opposite sides of a Charité lecture hall during an MSC meeting. The university clarified that the students organized the event independently and that Charité itself does not hold gender-segregated classes or lectures. However, the visual evidence triggered strong public and political reactions, prompting swift administrative action.

A university spokesperson stated, “Based on current information, and in the interests of a discrimination-free, integrative, and values-based environment, the group is immediately prohibited from holding events and activities on the university grounds, until further notice.” As part of the decision, Charité has also removed the Medislam Collective’s official society page from its website.

The Medislam Collective describes itself as a community for Muslim medical students and non-Muslims interested in Islamic culture and values. The group organizes a range of events including study sessions, religious discussions, Iftar dinners during Ramadan, and activities aimed at promoting diversity and combating racism.

The social media video that prompted the ban featured clips from the event with the caption: “We began the new semester with a meaningful recital from the Quran, and exciting insights into the history and vision of MSC – perfect for new faces to arrive and feel welcome right away. We rounded off the evening with team games, tasty snacks and valuable discussions.”

The MSC has not issued a public response to the ban.

The incident follows a similar case at Kiel University, where another Muslim student group reportedly required separate entrances and seating arrangements based on gender. It also echoes past controversies in other European institutions, including a 2017 Islamic Society gala dinner at the London School of Economics that faced criticism for gender-segregated ticketing, ultimately deemed likely unlawful under the UK’s Equality Act.

The situation has ignited political debate in Germany, particularly from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which claimed the event at Charité was a sign of the growing “Islamification” of academic institutions. Bundestag member Christoph Birghan stated, “These incidents show this is not about an academic debate, but about the politicisation of the freedom of our universities.”

Charité has reiterated its commitment to fostering a values-based academic environment rooted in equality and inclusivity as the investigation into the incident continues.