There will be dialogue sessions for staff and students about university partnerships. This was announced by Rector Magnificus José Sanders during the Opening of the Academic Year at the De Vereeniging concert hall. The reason for this is the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that took place on campus last year.

Security at the entrance to De Vereeniging was stricter this year than usual. Those who wished to attend the Opening of the Academic Year had to register in advance and present a QR code and identification.

A university spokesperson would not confirm whether these measures are related to preventing possible actions by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, such as those at the University of Groningen. ‘We ask people to register so that we know who is in the hall. As far as we are concerned, protests and demonstrations can take place, but we also want to have a pleasant opening of the academic year.’

It is unclear whether additional security guards have been deployed at De Vereeniging. ‘We are vigilant,’ is the only comment the university spokesperson would make on the matter.

Titus Brandsma

Nevertheless, De Vereeniging was well attended for the Opening of the Academic Year, which was centered around the theme of truth. ‘Universities challenge themselves and are challenged by politics and society,’ said Rector José Sanders in her speech, ‘to clarify their position concerning reality: how do we relate to facts, and what do we hold to be true? Do black holes exist, and if so, what do they look like? Which part of the language system is innate? How do we define genocide? What, or who, causes climate change?’

But, the rector emphasised, ‘truth seeking’ is also a role of universities. According to the rector, this is the attitude of continuing to seek true knowledge, even when it is complex or out of reach, and being willing to engage in dialogue with other scientists. In the words of her distant predecessor, Titus Brandsma, Sanders stated: ‘Our task is to be servants of the truth.’

Protesting

In her speech, Sanders made a connection to the pro-Palestine student protests that took place last year on the Radboud University campus. For four weeks, students camped in a tent camp next to the Maria Montessori building. Their main demand—that the university cut ties with Israeli institutions—was not met. After the occupation of the TvA1 building, which was heavily smeared with graffiti and red paint, the tent camp was cleared by the police.

Sanders said: ‘Being moved by the truth is important. Naming and protesting against the terrible facts that happen every day, that do not leave you alone, is a fundamental right. Even if others sometimes find it difficult, it remains a great good, also—and especially—at the university.’

‘Of course, the committee will ask experts to share their knowledge so that it can be included in the advice.’

From this academic year onward, Sanders reiterated, an advisory committee will scrutinise international partnerships established at the university or faculty level with knowledge institutions, companies, and organisations. ‘Of course, the committee will ask experts to share their knowledge so that it can be included in the advice.’ She also mentioned that there will be dialogue sessions where staff and students can discuss how decisions are made.

Finally, the government’s budget cuts to higher education, the exact amounts of which will be revealed on Prinsjesdag, were briefly addressed in the speech. The rector described the new government’s plans as frustrating. ‘As Radboud University, we will actively work, together with other universities in the country, to persuade the minister and the government to reconsider, and to ensure that the interests of our academic staff and of science are not compromised.’

Translated by Lieke Stevens