University to host meetings for our community following Wijnhaven occupation
The demonstration at and occupation of our Wijnhaven building on 6 May had a deep impact on our community, including the Executive Board. The university is therefore holding two meetings to reflect on what happened and discuss how we can address this.
Staff, students and visitors who had to leave the building that day felt intimidated by the tense atmosphere. There were numerous confrontations in the street between protesters and the police, resulting in the use of force and arrests.
As the Executive Board, we were shocked by the way the demonstration and occupation developed. We were particularly concerned by reports of confrontations between the police and protesters, arrests made on suspicion of vandalism and protesters becoming unwell or even injured. This has understandably stirred strong emotions and sparked widespread discussion within our community.
Anger and incomprehension
We are hearing voices of anger, shock and confusion from many sides. As already mentioned, some students and staff who were present that day felt unsafe because of the demonstrators’ actions. Others who joined the protest and occupation felt that the police response was disproportionate and a curtailment of their right to express their views and demonstrate. The events have triggered strong emotions even among students and staff who were not directly involved.
As the Board, we are saddened by what happened on 6 May, and understand that this has affected our community. Blocking exits (including emergency exits) created an unsafe situation for the many people inside Wijnhaven. At the same time, it was painful to have to evacuate the campus and call for police assistance.
Moving forward together
The war in Israel and Palestine has gripped the world for a year and a half now, and it has made itself felt within our university. People are divided, which makes it difficult – and sometimes even impossible – to maintain a dialogue. This is especially troubling for a university community like ours, because this is not how we should engage with each other. We believe in open debate, grounded in respect for differing opinions and beliefs.
We cannot and will not let the current situation continue as it is. While we must acknowledge the impact of 6 May, we also need to move forward – together. That’s why the university will be hosting two special meetings in the near future
Two meetings
The first meeting will be held in The Hague on 27 May. During this session, we will reflect on the events of 6 May and their impact. We will invite representatives from the staff and student councils of all faculties, including members of programme committees for degree programmes based at Campus The Hague and Wijnhaven, and include those of our partner at Delft University of Technology. We will also invite representatives from activist groups. The focus will be on discussing how these events have impacted the sense of safety among students and staff, as well as how we can continue to make space available for free expression and protest
Shortly afterwards, a second meeting will be held in Leiden. At this meeting, we will take a closer look at the background to the Israel-Palestine conflict and how we as an academic community can approach it with both care and respect. In addition to these two meetings, we are also discussing the events of 6 May with the University Council and relevant faculty councils.
Sharing and listening
Experts from within our organisation will contribute to both meetings, and each session will be guided by a moderator. Now more than ever, it is important that everyone involved has the opportunity to share their experiences and thoughts.
The Executive Board looks forward to constructive, meaningful dialogue with our community during these meetings, and we hope that everyone will come with a willingness to listen respectfully and to make space for one another’s perspectives. Because now, more than ever, we must stay open to the views and ideas of others. That is the foundation of our institution and the way we contribute to knowledge and progress.
We will share more information about the two scheduled meetings in due course.
Annetje Ottow, Hester Bijl and Timo Kos
Executive Board, Leiden University