Debate
Join the conversation on academic freedom
- Date
- Wednesday 22 April 2026
- Time
- Address
- Wijnhaven 3.46, Den Haag
Leiden University invites students and staff to take part in a dialogue on academic freedom as a lived practice on 22 April. How do we live up to our motto Paesidium Libertatis (bastion of freedom) – even when this isn’t always straightforward?
In protests and demonstrations in recent years, students and staff have drawn attention to campus security, ties with Israeli universities and the fossil fuel industry, and the cuts to higher education.
Demonstration is part of the free exchange of ideas and is essential to bringing urgent concerns to the fore. At the same time, some students and staff experience protests as intimidating or feel their freedom is restricted by them. This makes it crucial to discuss these issues together, as the rectores magnifici of the Dutch universities emphasised in a joint statement earlier this year.
We are therefore asking: What role does protest play in the academic debate? And where do the strengths and limitations lie?
Leiden University is inviting students and staff to come together to reflect on freedom of speech and the right to protest at the university. Following a plenary introduction by experts Rowie Stolk and Gerlov van Engelenhoven, participants will take part in small, rotating discussion groups. In a series of 30-minute rounds, they will consider questions such as:
- How does protest fit within academic debate? What does and does not fall under academic freedom?
- What space should the university provide for demonstrations on campus? Are there limits to this?
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 22 April from 14:30 to 17:00 in the Wijnhaven building (room 3.46) in The Hague.
Register
If you would like to join the conversation, please register via this link. You will be asked to show a LU card at the entrance. The discussion will be in English, with opportunities to contribute in other languages.
Community. Conversation. Connection.
Global tensions are also making themselves felt within our university community. We want to reverse this trend. That is why we are making room this academic year for lectures, debates and meetings about today’s hot-button issues: war and peace, intolerance, human rights, polarisation, securitisation, climate and more.
Let’s get together and listen to each other. Let’s hold an open debate. This is, after all, the beating heart of our university. It’s fine to disagree, as long as we treat others and their views or beliefs with respect.
We are inviting all members of our community to take part in Community. Conversation. Connection. You’re welcome to sign up for an event – or to organise your own. Keep an eye on our events calendar!