The open letter and petition we received today as the Executive Board clearly show how deeply the events of 9 April – the occupation of the BelleVUe building and the way in which it was addressed – have resonated within our university community. We take the concerns and critical questions raised seriously.
Let us begin by stating clearly: the right to protest is a fundamental freedom, and as a university, we strongly support freedom of expression and open debate. There is room for protest at VU – provided it is peaceful and respectful of others.
Occupying a building, however, crosses a clear line and is not permitted. It poses risks to the safety of students and staff and makes it impossible for teaching, research and work to continue in that space. It can be experienced as intimidating by the students and staff who were forced to leave the building and undermines the safe study and working environment we all rely on. The demonstrators were informed of our campus regulations, including the prohibition on occupations and the rules regarding face coverings in educational buildings. They were asked several times to leave the premises. When it became clear that dialogue was not possible and our requests to vacate the building were not heeded, we decided to involve the competent authorities. These are not decisions taken lightly. But as the university’s governing body, we cannot tolerate the disruption of education and research, the occupation of university buildings, or the inability to engage in dialogue about such actions. We carry the responsibility of safeguarding a safe and functional environment for all on campus. Only then can we ensure that open debate is truly possible.
The letter claims that the Executive Board was not, or is not, willing to engage in dialogue. This is incorrect. Last year, we held extensive discussions with the student and staff group VU for Palestine, until the students themselves chose to leave the table. During the occupation, no request for dialogue with the Executive Board was made – not before, not during, and not afterwards.
We understand that this situation has evoked feelings of confusion, disappointment, anger or sadness in many. The petition gives voice to those sentiments. It is clear that the many signatories feel connected to our students, our community, and the values of our university. We appreciate that sense of involvement. We too, as the Executive Board, stand firmly with our students. We have repeatedly expressed our admiration for their social engagement. Fighting for a better world is very much in line with what we stand for as VU Amsterdam. At the same time, we ask for understanding of the fact that, as a Board, we must weigh different values, serve a wide range of constituencies, operate in a volatile social and political context, and above all, uphold our commitment to maintaining a campus that is open and safe for all. A campus where everyone matters, and where everyone can take part in dialogue.
This is precisely what our A Broader Mind philosophy stands for: actively seeking out other perspectives and, however difficult at times, truly listening to them. As a Board, we are frustrated by how increasingly difficult it has become to have meaningful conversations on certain topics. You may expect from us that we will always strive for dialogue that is open, personal and engaged. But we also observe that certain taboos are starting to emerge, hindering constructive conversations between different parties. That is not what a university should be. And we are concerned about this. We call on the broader community: help us to safeguard inclusivity and the value of dialogue on our campus. Dialogue is at the heart of academic life.
As the Executive Board, we are always open to criticism. Not everything is possible, but almost everything can be discussed. We are always looking for ways to explain the decisions we make. We would welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation and will extend an invitation to do so in the near future.
