Steps to be taken by UvA in response to protests

Source: https://www.uva.nl/en/content/Current/2024/05/uva-steps-in-response-to-protests.html Parent: https://www.uva.nl/en/current/protests/protests-at-the-uva.html

20 May 2024

Message to students and staff from the Executive Board and Deans 20-05.

The message below was shared by the UvA with all UvA students and staff on Monday, 20 May.

Dear colleagues and students,

The events on campus have affected you and us deeply. In the conversations we continue to have and the many emails we receive, we feel the anger and pain about the police actions on campus, about students and staff who do not feel safe, about disruptions to our education, about the unprecedented violence of the Israeli army in Gaza and the destruction of the educational infrastructure, about the Israeli hostages who have not yet been freed, the absence of a ceasefire, and why the university is not severing ties with Israel.

As a university we are socially engaged and critical. That unique characteristic is now leading to great division and distrust. We find ourselves at odds with each other and are not always able to engage in dialogue with one another. Many people are concerned about this.

What is happening in Gaza is terrible and it just keeps going relentlessly. We have clearly understood the call from students and staff: the UvA must take action, in a manner befitting the role of an engaged and critical university. At the same time, opinions are divided on what exactly we should do. Therefore, we will proceed with the following actions:

First of all, over the coming weeks, we will continue conversations with colleagues and students. These discussions will focus on what is currently happening within the university, how people are experiencing it, how we can de-escalate the situation, and how we can move forward together and restore trust. To avoid any misunderstandings: we will do this with all our students and staff, including those who have (peacefully) protested. The first discussions for this week have already been scheduled.

Secondly, we want to engage in discussions about how we can provide space for voices and protests while simultaneously ensuring a safe environment for everyone. These discussions may potentially lead to adjustments but will in any case clarify the agreements on how we interact on campus (including our house rules).

Thirdly, this week we will begin working on criteria to assess international (and national) collaborations on ethical aspects. We aim to maintain scientific connections as much as possible, but only within ethical frameworks, including human rights. Currently, we lack sufficient guidelines to make careful assessments. All faculties will organise broad, inclusive dialogues in the form of round tables, so that within a few weeks we will have an updated ethical framework for external collaboration, against which new and existing projects will be evaluated. Until the updated ethical framework is ready, we will not enter into new collaborations in areas that are in war. The framework will be completed by the end of this academic year.

Finally, we call on everyone to help ensure the university is safe for all of us. Speak out, but be considerate of each other as well. Engage in discussions, but also listen to colleagues and students with differing opinions. As the university's administration, we are eager to engage in dialogue with you. We are collectively responsible for finding a way to move forward together.

The Executive Board\ Geert ten Dam, Chair\ Jan Lintsen, Vice-Chair\ Peter-Paul Verbeek, Rector Magnificus\ Leon van de Zande, Secretary

Roel Beetsma, Dean of Economics and Business\ Mireille van Eechoud, Dean of the Faculty of Law\ Agneta Fischer, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences\ Marieke de Goede, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities\ Hans Romijn, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry\ Yvo Roos, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine\ Peter van Tienderen, Dean of the Faculty of Science

Frequently asked questions

Visit uva.nl/protests for more information regarding the demonstrations and the current situation on campus.

What can I do if I feel unsafe?

We are committed to supporting everyone affected by the recent events.

In the event of an immediate physical threat or emergency

Call security: 020 525 2222

If you are not in acute physical danger, but do have concerns about your safety on campus, please read who you can contact below:

Staff

• Do you have questions and concerns? Are you experiencing problems in your work? You can discuss this with your supervisor.
• Are you experiencing psychological distress? Check our page Mental health support to find out what the UvA can do for you, or contact Victim Support Netherlands (outside the UvA).
• You can also always contact one of the confidential advisers.
• Do you want to file a complaint about police violence? You can find more information on the website of the police.

Students

There are a number of places you can turn to, including study advisers, student psychologists, or confidential advisers. Go to information and contact details on the student site.