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On Tuesday 30 September and Wednesday 1 October, a university building (Drift 25) was occupied. On Thursday morning, 2 October, it became clear that the protesters had left. On Monday 6 October, Drift 25 will reopen for teaching.

The occupation disrupted educational activities. On Tuesday morning, lectures could not take place. In addition, the examinations, lectures and seminars of approximately 1,300 students were rescheduled each day. Educational activities are expected to resume on Monday, 6 October.

Demonstrating and protesting are part of our democracy, and also part of our university. We provide space for this, provided that it is done respectfully and in accordance with our “rules and responsibilities for demonstrations”. During the occupation, Anton Pijpers, chair of the Executive Board, offered to enter into talks with a delegation of the demonstrators. The condition for the talks was that the demonstrators adhere to the UU rules for demonstrations, in particular the requirement that security staff be allowed to enter the building to assess any safety risks and that they would not encounter any damage. The demonstrators did not agree to these conditions, so no talks took place.

’We will continue to engage in dialogue about difficult societal issues’

“We understand that our students and colleagues are horrified by the events in Gaza,” says Anton Pijpers. “The board also deeply shares their concerns about the humanitarian suffering. The statements and actions of the Israeli government regarding the occupation of large parts of Gaza have previously prompted us to tighten our policy on collaborations.”

“We will continue to engage in dialogue about difficult societal issues, both within and outside the university. The board listens to all opinions and carefully considers them in its decision-making. You don't have to occupy a building to be heard. We invite our students and staff to make their voices heard through the existing channels, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and safety.”