FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 96 - ENGLISH

EDUCATION AND COEXISTENCE 35 preserving a university culture founded on respect, dialogue and the peaceful exchange of ideas. This question ran through much of the programme: how to respond when behaviour emerges that seeks to silence dissent through pressure, fear or intimidation. PERSONAL TESTIMONIES The course’s human dimension emerged through several personal testimonies. Particularly notable was the lecture by Professor of Contemporary History José María “Txema” Portillo , entitled Mis personales años de plomo. Portillo recalled the consequences of te- rrorism and its surrounding milieu for many teachers, explaining how some lecturers were forced to leave the Bas- que Country to ensure their safety. His address introduced new generations to experiences that form part of the univer- sity’s recent history, although they are increasingly unfamiliar. For López de Maturana, listening to tho- se who directly experienced that reality is essential to initiatives such as this. The task is to analyse events through acade- mic research and understand the perso- nal impact of threats, social exclusion and violence. LOOKING BEYOND THE BASQUE CASE The programme also included a com- parative and international perspective. Several presentations examined political violence against universities in different European contexts, from Italy’s Years of Lead to attacks by far-right groups against Spanish universities during the transition to democracy. It also considered the effects of terrorist pressure on other academic institutions, including the University of Deusto, Mon- dragón Unibertsitatea, the Public Uni- ` José María Portillo ` Mercedes Ramos ` Galo Bilbao versity of Navarre and the University of Navarra, extending the analysis beyond the UPV/EHU’s experience. The sessions ended with a conviction shared by many participants: universi- ties transmit knowledge and also have a responsibility to protect the values that make democratic coexistence possible. Defending intellectual freedom, respec- ting pluralism and protecting those who express dissenting opinions are part of that task. In a society where terrorism is already a distant memory for many young people, initiatives such as this course help preser- ve an indispensable remembrance. They recall those who suffered violence and help us understand that academic free- dom and open debate are achievements requiring constant defence. The Basque university’s experience demonstrates that remembrance remains essential to strengthening commitment to democra- tic principles.