RESPONSE FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board of VU Amsterdam has appointed a committee to develop a framework for international collaborations. The framework will apply to existing collaborations, anywhere in the world. It will be based on our own values and international standards, including human rights. The framework will be completed by July 2024. Read here the open letter of June 5 to students and staff about the latest developments at VU Amsterdam from the Executive Board, the Deans, and the Directors of Divisions.
Previous open letters: 7 May 2024 and 11 May 2024
ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam makes educational spaces available for students and staff to engage in academic knowledge exchange and discussions about the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions. On this page, you will find all information about meetings and activities for the VU community. To organise activities on campus, permission is required, and the existing house rules and the VU's code of conduct apply. To ensure activities run orderly and safely, it is required to obtain permission. More information can be found here.
HELP AND SUPPORT
Do you have questions or concerns, or do you need help or advice? There are several places at the VU where you can go. For example, in response to the protests, the Diversity Office, together with VU chaplains, offers walk-in hours for Spiritual Care. Additionally, 3D and NEWconnective are committed to providing support and assistance to students regarding the student protests by organising discussions, holding moments of silence, and facilitating support groups. For more information, contact 3D and NEWconnective. Consult this page for staff and students for more information about the support that VU Amsterdam centrally offers.
NEWS
3/10 Protest in the Main Building
On Thursday 3 October, a protest took place in the main building of VU Amsterdam, organised by VU for Palestine. The protesting students were requested to leave the building and subsequently continued the protest outside, in front of the main building. The protest lasted approximately one and a half hours in total. An incident occurred outside during the protest between two individuals. We condemn all forms of violence and are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all involved. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.
17/9 Pilot phase of assessment framework for international collaborations launched
VU Amsterdam has started with the pilot phase of the 'Assessment framework Risks related to armed conflicts and human rights in international collaborations'. The pilot phase, running until the end of January 2025, involves the evaluation of approximately five existing international collaborations. An independent advisory committee, comprising diverse expertise from our faculties, will oversee this process. Read more
12/9 Protest on the campus square
On Thursday, 12 September, an unannounced protest took place on the campus square of VU Amsterdam, organised by VU for Palestine. The protest lasted approximately 1½ hours and proceeded in an orderly manner.
22/7 Assessment Framework for International Collaborations
The “Assessment Framework for Risks Related to Armed Conflicts and Human Rights in International Collaborations,” which has been developed over the past few weeks by a project team, was approved by the Executive Board on 16 July 2024.
Read more
28/6 VU Buildings vandalized
In the early morning, various buildings on our campus were vandalized with offensive texts. This does not align with conducting a peaceful protest, and VU Amsterdam will file a police report regarding this incident.
11/6 Demonstration VU Amsterdam campus ended
The Mayor of Amsterdam has ended the protest on the campus square of VU Amsterdam, following repeated warnings. The reason for this decision was the repeated violation of the regulations associated with the demonstration. The protest, which began peacefully on June 3, was initiated by VU students. Throughout the protest, there have been discussions between the Executive Board and the protesting students. In recent days, the protest has expanded to include activists from outside VU Amsterdam. The nature of the protest has intensified, resulting in vandalism and disruptions to our education and research activities. The evacuation proceeded calmly. The Executive Board remains open to dialogue.
11/6 Main building temporarily not accessible
There is currently a protest in front of the Main building. Therefore a modified door policy applies. The Main building is temporarily not accessible. You may be inconvenienced when entering and leaving the other buildings. Upon entry, you may be asked for your university pass. Visitors may be asked for their destination and identification. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.
10/6 Access main building restored
The protest from today as mentioned below has concluded. The protest occurred while a delegation of students responsible for the tent camp was in discussion with the Executive Board. Several measures were taken which unfortunately caused inconvenience, including the closure of access to the main building for a period of time. The main entrance is now open again.
10/6 Main building temporarily not accessible
There is currently a protest in front of the Main building. Therefore a modified door policy applies. The Main building is temporarily not accessible. Furthermore, you may be inconvenienced when entering and leaving the other buildings. Upon entry, you may be asked for your university pass. Visitors may be asked for their destination and identification. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.
10/6 Open letter rectores magnifici
Last weekend, the rectors magnifici of all Dutch universities drew attention to the importance of academic freedom in international collaborations, especially the collaboration with Israeli knowledge institutions, via an open letter in the Dutch newspaper Trouw. “As a university, it is our task to give a voice to all the current perspectives on the conflict within the academic community. This is everything but an excuse to remain “neutral”. On the contrary. Providing our community with academic freedom to make their own considerations in that same freedom is one of our most important core values. In this, we wish to be anything but neutral,” say the rectores magnifici. Read the open letter here.
7/6 Update protest campus
A demonstration took place at VU Amsterdam on Friday, June 7. The protest was organised by students who have set up a tent camp on the campus grounds since Monday, June 3. On Friday, VU Amsterdam felt compelled to take several measures to ensure that, despite the nuisance and noise, teaching and research activities could continue. For example, a number of examination locations were moved and a strict door policy was enforced. The participants of the protest were also addressed about the offensive texts shared on banners and the smearing of facades. After some time, this demonstration was over. There are still a number of tents on the VU campus grounds. The VU administration once again reminded participants of the protest to follow rules. Today's additional protest was not in line with the framework set by VU Amsterdam. The Executive Board said it is still in conversation with protesting students and staff and hopes that protests can take place peacefully in the future.
7/6 Protest campus
At the moment, there is both disturbance and noise disturbance from a protest on the campus grounds. Scheduled classes, exams, and academic ceremonies will proceed as planned. Due to this development a modified door policy will be in effect at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The buildings on campus will only be accessible through the main entrance, and students and employees may be asked to identify themselves with their university pass upon entering. Visitors may be asked for their destination and identification. If you are concerned or need assistance or support, please consult these pages for students and staff for more information. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.
6/6 Podcast: How is VU responding to the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions?
The concerning situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions is a daily topic of discussion at Dutch universities. At VU Amsterdam, there is also significant involvement among students and staff. Naturally, this raises the question: What can we do as VU? Last Thursday, May 30th, Margrethe Jonkman, Marcel Nollen en Jeroen Geurts from the Executive Board spoke with dialogue researcher and VU employee Sem Barendse in a special edition of the podcast ‘Studio VU’ about the concerns, dilemmas, and impact on the university. Listen to the podcast of ‘Studio VU’ here (available in Dutch only).
5/6 Open letter from the Executive Board, the Deans, and the Directors of Divisions
On Wednesday, June 5, the Executive Board, Deans, and Directors of Divisions provided an update on developments at VU Amsterdam regarding the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions. Read the open letter to students and staff of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam here.
5/6 Posters not from VU Amsterdam
From different sides we receive questions about posters that are distributed on campus. On these posters, using the VU corporate identity, views are proclaimed that do not originate from VU Amsterdam. The posters will be removed as soon as possible. On this page you will find the information from VU Amsterdam.
5/6 Assessment framework process
The Executive Board of VU Amsterdam has commissioned a project team to develop an assessment framework where international collaborations are evaluated against the values of the university and international human rights standards. Read more about the process surrounding the development of the assessment framework here.
3/6 Tents on the campus square
On Monday, June 3, a number of students set up a tent camp on the campus square of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The activists say they are peacefully protesting against the war in Gaza. Just last week, the Executive Board had a conversation with the activist students and staff of VU Amsterdam. It is essential for VU Amsterdam that the safety of everyone on campus can be guaranteed. Therefore, we are taking various precautions to guarantee that safety and ensure that teaching and research activities can continue. These precautionary measures are adjusted based on the current risk assessment. For more information, consult the Frequently Asked Questions page on VU.nl.
30/5 Drop-in Session Spiritual Care in June and July
For staff and students seeking help and support following the protests, the Diversity Office, together with spiritual caregivers from VU Amsterdam, offers drop-in sessions for Spiritual Care. During these sessions, students and staff can seek a listening ear, comfort, or guidance for their fears, anger, or concerns. Here you find more information.
17/5 Framework for international cooperation
The kick-off for the desired framework for international cooperation took place Friday May 17. In the coming weeks, five colleagues will develop a framework focused on human rights, which will be used to assess both new and existing collaborations. Special attention will be given to best practices from places like Leuven. The framework will be discussed by various groups, including scientists, students, and participatory bodies, in the second half of June. It will be finalized in the first half of July, so it can be implemented immediately after the holiday period. With this, the Executive Board acknowledges that human rights, alongside knowledge security, should be considered in the selection of partners for cooperation and aims to do this in a well-founded manner with the developed framework. Here you can find more information about the assessment framework.
17/5 Protest campus square
On Friday, May 17, a number of students and staff members protested on the campus square of Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam. The protest was peaceful. "We have seen that there is great involvement among students and staff in what is happening now in Gaza. We endorse the importance of a respectful dialogue within VU Amsterdam. After all, that is what a university is for," according to the vice-chair of the Executive Board Marcel Nollen. In recent weeks, the Executive Board has spoken with various groups in the VU community. These conversations will continue in the coming weeks. At the request of students and staff, VU facilitates the opportunity to organize peaceful activities that touch on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions. In order for activities to be orderly and safe, permission must be requested. In addition, participants must comply with VU's house rules and code of conduct. VU Amsterdam is grateful that it was a peaceful protest and thanks the students and staff, the municipality of Amsterdam and the police region Amsterdam Amstelland for their support and cooperation.
17/5 Extra check university ID
On May 17, students and staff may be asked to identify themselves with their university ID upon entry. Other visitors may be asked for their purpose on campus and identification. VU Amsterdam is implementing this measure following the announcement of a walk-out on campus. The main entrances of the buildings will remain open. Read more.
15/5 Dialogue
The Board of Executives attaches great importance to dialogue with various parties directly affected by the situation. Over the past few weeks, there have been various discussions with students and staff. By coming together and listening to each other, the board hopes to gain a better understanding of the diverse viewpoints and concerns within the VU community, and to create an environment where everyone feels free to express their opinions.
15/5 Drop-in Session Spiritual Care
For staff and students seeking help and support following the protests, the Diversity Office, together with spiritual caregivers from VU Amsterdam, offers drop-in sessions for Spiritual Care. During these sessions, students and staff can seek a listening ear, comfort, or guidance for their fears, anger, or concerns. Should you wish to take use of this, you may always drop in at location HG-2G22 (filosofenhof). However, there may be a session in progress and you will have to wait a while. If you want to be sure of your spot, please email divers@vu.nl to make an appointment. You can also ask questions there.
For news or questions regarding communication, please send us an email: communicatie.cm@vu.nl.