Hlavní stránka Info portálu ZČU

University of West Bohemia in Pilsen is responding to the tragic events that occurred on December 21 at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. In response to these events, the rector of the University of West Bohemia, Miroslav Lávička, held a meeting on December 22 with Karel Machulda, the director of the Municipal Police Directorate of the Czech Republic. The focus of the discussion was the security measures at the University.

Even though classes at the University of West Bohemia ended on December 20, and the number of students and staff in the buildings significantly decreased, the police are monitoring the university buildings. This includes areas such as the dean's office of the Faculty of Arts in Sedláčková Street, where a memorial site for the public has been set up, as well as the dormitory buildings.

"Already on December 21 in the evening, we began addressing the update of security measures and the implementation of a new security audit. Starting January, a new position of security consultant will be established at the University of West Bohemia, although not as a direct response to Thursday's events. It is an initiative we have been working on since the new leadership took office, and we were planning it for the middle of next year. However, the tragic events at Charles University will expedite this process. The consultant will be responsible for security audits, evaluating the security situation, and proposing short-term and medium-term measures specifically for the University of West Bohemia," stated the rector.

In the current situation, the Information and Counseling Center of the University of West Bohemia has decided to activate crisis helplines for students, employees, and staff who may need psychological support:

The chat helpline will be available from the website, starting no later than Saturday, December 23, every day between 10:00 and 12:00.

Email support is offered by the Information and Counseling Center at krizovka@service.zcu.cz daily from 15:00 to 17:00. Both helplines will be operational throughout the holidays.

"On behalf of the entire University of West Bohemia, I express deep indignation at the brutality and unacceptability of yesterday's tragic attack at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. Regardless of the motives of the attacker, such an act is absolutely unjustifiable, and there is a need for its resolute rejection, including any attempt to understand its motivation.

Although no words can sufficiently express the sorrow we feel at this moment, our thoughts and support go to all those affected by this incomprehensible tragedy, especially to the families of the victims, and of course, to all students, employees, and staff at the Prague Faculty of Arts.

I have decided that the University of West Bohemia will contribute to the financial support of the Endowment Fund of Charles University. I have urged members of our university community to consider contributing according to their means.

Now is certainly the time for Czech universities to collaborate with the government of the Czech Republic, the components of the Integrated Rescue System, and other competent authorities. It is necessary to thoroughly assess the situation and find all ways to implement appropriate security measures to reduce the risk of similar horrendous acts."

Miroslav Lávička

Rector