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On 9 September, a number of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� professors participated in the Extinction Rebellion climate protest on the A12 wearing their official gowns. DUB spoke to Liesbeth van de Grift, professor of International History and the Environment and co-founder of the Network for Environmental Humanities, who was one of them.

Official robes

The attendance of professors in their official gowns raises questions about the appropriateness of academic regalia as a protest tool, DUB writes, and about the role of scholars in societal issues like this one. Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��’s rector magnificus Henk Kummeling does not object to the practice, as long as professors behave according to the principles and values represented by the gowns, he says.

According to Van de Grift this can be done. She noticed that the symbol of the gowns had a tangible impact. “When we professors walked onto the motorway wearing our togas, there was a lengthy applause. They were so grateful that we were there as visible representatives of science. It was uneasy and touching at the same time.”

It was the first time Van de Grift had worn her gown at a demonstration, as before she felt uneasy assigning herself a special role in climate action. “This time, however, I was there representing my expertise, carrying a sign that said I would like to discuss my research with people. Hence my conclusion that the end justifies the means. A toga clearly has an impact after all.”

Responsibility

When protesting in academic regalia, you are taking a concrete stance in the debate about appropriate policies. Van de Grift understands that this approach could raise criticism. “But I do think that I can show, through my research, that the history of climate change is characterised by continuously postponing issues and solutions. It’s not controversial at all that we need an ambitious climate policy now:  says so. It’s not controversial either to state that the Dutch government isn’t doing much. The Urgenda case is a good example of that. Ending fossil fuel subsidies seems like low-hanging fruit to me.”

In the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that scholars can and should take a political stance, Van de Grift believes. “Scientists were encouraged to join the public debate and advice policymakers. Why should that be any different when it comes to the climate crisis?” she wonders. “As scientists, we have an official responsibility towards society, which is why Scientist Rebellion has been joining climate-related protests for years.”