The events of Wednesday left a deep impact on our university community. The occupation and subsequent eviction of the BelleVUe building stirred intense emotions among students, colleagues, and also within the Executive Board.
We recognize the anger, grief, and helplessness that many of you feel about the violence in Gaza. We honour the right to protest and to speak out against injustice, it is a vital part of academic life.
At the same time, and this is important: as a university, we have the duty to protect a common space where every person, every student, every colleague can feel safe enough to learn, to work, and to express themselves. When safety or open dialogue are threatened, we are compelled to make difficult decisions. Calling in external authorities was not a choice we made lightly, nor without heavy hearts. But occupying one of our buildings cannot be tolerated.
There are no easy answers. We recognize that, especially in times of intense polarization and injustice, the very idea of dialogue can feel inadequate or even impossible to some. We differ on the role universities must play in a world of conflict. Opinions about that role may, and likely will, continue to differ. Still, we share a commitment to freedom, to dignity, and to creating spaces where voices can be heard, respectfully, even in disagreement and in anger. Our commitment is not to easy conversation, but to the hard and necessary work of staying engaged when it matters most.
Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Our door remains open, as always.
Margrethe, Marcel, Jeroen
The Executive Board