A message about the occupation and evacuation of the Academy Building
A group of nine activists from Students for Palestine occupied part of the Academy Building on Wednesday 26 November. Outside, a group of around 30 demonstrators chanted slogans and called on the Executive Board to sever ties with Israeli universities.
This is a message from the Executive Board about the occupation of the Academy Building on 26 November 2025.
On that afternoon, our annual Cleveringa Lecture – given this year by Hélène Landemore – was scheduled to take place in the Great Auditorium. According to spokespersons for the demonstrators, this was the reason they had chosen to take this action at that time and place. The Board is disappointed that the Cleveringa Lecture could not be held in the Great Auditorium and that the speaker and guests had to move to another venue.
Visitors in the Academy Building were asked by our staff to leave the building. The entry gates to the Hortus botanicus were shut and the Faculty Club was closed as a precaution – although events and activities that were already taking place could be completed.
Cleveringa Lecture moved
Thanks to the assistance and flexibility of Leiden Law School and the prompt action of our staff, the Cleveringa Lecture was quickly moved to the Kamerlingh Onnes building. This meant Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl could open and introduce the lecture just after 16:00 hours, with a small delay. The lecture and reception afterwards with around 250 guests proceeded without further interruption. The Executive Board is pleased the Cleveringa Lecture could go ahead on this important day for Leiden University.
Negotiations with the demonstrators
On behalf of the Executive Board, Vice-President Timo Kos held negotiations that afternoon with representatives of the Students for Palestine activists in the Academy Building. He explained that the Board’s priority was the safety of everyone in the buildings as well as preventing damage to the historical buildings and furnishings. He also stressed that occupations of our buildings are not permitted.
In its discussions with the representatives of the occupiers, the Board offered to discuss the matter at a later date, on condition that they ended the occupation immediately. This offer was conveyed by the representatives to the rest of the group. At around 19:00 hours, the clear response came that they rejected this offer and would not leave the Academy Building. The Board voiced it’s dismay and indicated that it would have to clear the building, as occupations and overnight stays are not permitted in our buildings.
Building cleared
The Board then reported the incident to the police as a breach of the peace and ordered the occupiers to leave the building. They refused to comply three times, and the police cleared the Academy Building. Fortunately, this proceeded in a calm and orderly fashion. Nine occupiers were arrested by the police without resisting.
An initial inspection revealed no damage had been caused to the building.
The Board would like to thank everyone who helped ensure the Cleveringa Lecture could go ahead at an alternative location and who helped bring the occupation of the Academy Building to a peaceful conclusion.