YAG dialogue session on student protest rules
| When: | Mo 14-10-2024 |
| Where: | USVA, Munnekeholm 10 |
YAG dialogue session on student protest rules
Monday 14 October, 5-6.30 p.m. at USVA
Link to live stream: https://youtube.com/live/JsctOqAaJH8?feature=share
Link to live translation document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gwk3RxgTZLSETzkLqyydCo3jXhgI6QVSrsHuPV6dXoQ/edit?usp=sharing
Student protests have a long history. They are an integral part of university life and can be important catalysts of social change. At the same time, they can also fuel tension. Universities need to consider their duty to protect academic freedom, the freedom of expression, and the safety of students and staff. How should universities balance these responsibilities? How much freedom should be given to student protestors? When and how should university administration intervene?
The directive issued by Universities of the Netherlands in May 2024 in the context of student mobilizations against the war in Gaza, and the implementation of this directive by Dutch universities, have stirred much debate and discontent, including in Groningen.
This dialogue session will provide a space for an open exchange of diverse viewpoints on these questions. First, four speakers will contextualize the debate and provide a variety of perspectives on the topic. Their talks will be followed by an open discussion with the audience. The speakers are:
● Berend Roorda (Faculty of Law), who will introduce the basics of Dutch protest law
● Stephan van Galen (University Services), who will explain the background of the UG house rules
● Manuel Reyes (University Council), who will share some views from the University Council
● Maeve McKeown (Campus Fryslan), who will address the response of the Young Academy to the UNL directive
The discussion will be moderated by Marijke Leliveld (Faculty of Economics and Business).
The event will take place at USVA on Monday 14 October, 5-6.30 p.m. It is open to all staff and students of the University of Groningen. The dialogue session will be a bilingual event with live translation (Dutch/English) being facilitated by Wesley Pechler. There will also be a livestream to follow the discussion online.
Link to follow the live stream at YouTube: