A message from Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts on social safety on campus, following this afternoon's demonstration.
Dear students,
This afternoon you raised your voices, out of anger and concern. I want to let you know that we have seen and heard you. We understand that this protest comes from a place of feeling unheard and unprotected. We also recognise that our previous communications did not sufficiently convey the urgency with which we intend to act.
We have started initial conversations with student representatives and associations across campus, as part of a broader effort that will continue in the coming weeks and months. One message comes across clearly in the discussions we have had so far: even when support structures exist (such as confidential advisers, reporting procedures, codes of conduct and referral systems), the lived experience does not always reflect what these structures are meant to provide. When someone is already vulnerable, that gap is deeply painful. We see, in these discussions, how trust in our systems is sometimes quite low. When trust declines, people stop reporting what harms them and that weakens our ability to address what needs to change. Strengthening that trust requires careful reflection and concrete action, and that is what I am going to propose below.
There are things that need to be addressed on our campus. Let me be clear: there must be no place for violence, intimidation, exclusion or hatred at VU Amsterdam. At the same time, we recognise that members of our community have experienced our campus differently. Every single one of you belongs here and must be able to study and work without fear. I say this to you because you matter, and because your safety and dignity matter to us.
Starting now, we will initiate a thorough review of our Code of Conduct, our reporting structures, and the broader conversation on campus about social safety. We will do this together with students, staff, representative bodies, and our dedicated student support staff. In consultation with these groups, we will determine the timeline and concrete steps needed to ensure meaningful improvement. We will place policy alongside lived experience and allow that experience to guide the changes that are necessary.
We will do this together, and be in touch very soon. Thank you.
On behalf of the Executive Board,
Jeroen Geurts,
Rector Magnificus VU Amsterdam