'We are all responsible for respectful discussion'
14 May 2024 17:17 | CommunicationFor more than six months, we have all been able to see the terrible events taking place in Israel and now every day in Gaza too. The mood in our city and in other places around the country has been more unsettled in recent weeks. Especially concerning the situation in Gaza. We are shocked by the violence happening there and in many other places around the world. Life has become unbearable for the people of Gaza. Our thoughts go out to them and to all the other innocent victims of war.
We worry. About the people living in places where there is war and oppression and about the effect it has on people elsewhere too. About people who have relatives in war zones and about people who can’t sleep because of the never-ending violence going on around them. About our students, lecturers and staff, who lie awake at night, concerned about the victims. About children, young people and adults who don’t have a safe home like the one that we, as a university of applied sciences, want to be. About all our students.
We also worry about students and colleagues who feel unsafe. AUAS welcomes everyone and wants everyone to feel at home and safe.
We believe in the importance of a strong bond between students and staff. Especially at times like this, when people may find themselves on different sides of the fence, it’s important not to look away but to take time to listen to each other.
We believe in freedom, safety and equality for everyone. Everyone is different, meaning our opinions, beliefs and views won’t always be the same.
Last week, demonstrations were held at a number of educational institutions in the Netherlands, urging for ties to be severed with Israeli institutions. We understand demonstrators’ feelings and the need for space to express them. Freedom of speech is a fundamental democratic right, as is the right to demonstrate. Having said this, educational institutions are places where current social, ethical and moral issues should be discussed peacefully, with respect for the opinions of others. We are all responsible for making sure this happens.
Today, 14 May 2024, we will have a meeting with the Central Representative Advisory Council (CMR) to see how we can facilitate relevant activities and discussions. Our priority is for every staff member and student to feel welcome and safe to participate in these activities and discussions. We, in the Executive Board, would like to do our bit to make sure this is the case.
On behalf of the Executive Board and the deans.