Statement on the study by the University of Hildesheim

The report on findings of a University of Hildesheim study published this week describes the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (MPIB) in the 1960s and 1970s as part of a “network” in which “pedophile viewpoints were accepted, supported and defended”. The founding director of the MPIB, Hellmut Becker, is mentioned several times in this context.

In April 2013, Professor Dr. Ute Frevert together with Dr. Kerstin Singer wrote an exposition and brochure about Hellmut Becker on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The authors proved that Becker was informed in 1970 about sexual abuse for which the head of the Odenwald School, whom he sponsored, was responsible. They spared no criticism of Becker for ignoring the hint and failing to take action.

The MPIB will take the events that have now come to light regarding the Pedagogical Center as an opportunity to carry out further investigations and to clarify Hellmut Becker’s role in the Kentler case. The Hildesheim study does not provide any reliable information on this.