About recent events on the VU campus

In this message, as Executive Board, we would like to explain what led up to the clearance of the protest camp.

In the week prior to the clearance, the security triangle designated the protest camp as a demonstration area falling under the Dutch Public Assemblies Act (WOM). This means that the rules governing the right to protest apply, that the Mayor assumes authority over this part of the campus, and that consequences may follow if demonstrators fail to adhere to the imposed regulations. In the interest of everyone’s safety on campus, the authorities have regularly monitored the demonstration.

After the protest camp was set up, we invited the demonstrators to engage in a conversation; not only to exchange perspectives but also to remind them of the code of conduct of VU Amsterdam. Despite this, property was damaged and statements were made by students that could be experienced as offensive and polarising. In response to numerous reports from concerned students and staff members who indicated feeling unsafe on campus, Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts visited the protest camp on Sunday 8 June to speak with the students. Unfortunately, dialogue proved impossible and the atmosphere became tense.

That same weekend, several demonstrators wearing face coverings defaced various buildings with the same offensive and polarising statements. In addition, on Tuesday evening, Executive Board member Marcel Nollen was confronted with severe intimidation by a group of demonstrators as he attempted to leave the VU premises. During the clearance operation, one protester was arrested on suspicion of serious intimidation. According to a police spokesperson, another scuffle occurred during the arrest, in which a demonstrator allegedly grabbed a police officer’s baton. This individual was also taken into custody.

Today, the annual Déjà VU Festival is taking place on the VU campus. This festival is a special moment to come together and foster connection. There have been rumours suggesting that the festival was the reason for the clearance of the protest camp. We want to emphasise that this is untrue. The decision to disband the camp was based on an accumulation of incidents, including intimidation and threats. The spread of misinformation undermines the seriousness of what has occurred and the experiences of those directly affected.

We recognise that this period and these events evoke strong emotions for many. As an academic community with deep societal engagement, we believe it is important to safeguard space for respectful dialogue. We remain convinced that VU Amsterdam is a place where such conversations can and should take place, even in polarised times.