UvA Rector Verbeek: “Protest may be sharp, but never hostile”
Contrary to tradition, the academic year was not opened today by the president of the executive board, but by the rector magnificus. “These are turbulent times for science.” This statement was confirmed when several pro-Palestinian demonstrators refused to leave the building, prompting Verbeek to cancel the rest of the programme.
In the Aula of the University of Amsterdam, rector magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek, who is also acting president of the Executive Board, opened the new academic year this afternoon. He barely managed to finish his speech before the program was disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. When they refused to leave, the rector decided to cancel the remainder of the program.
In his speech, entitled The social value of scientific education (the speech was conducted in Dutch), he did not outline any grand political, administrative or policy visions, but focused primarily on the value of science for society, a theme chosen by the chair of the Executive Board, Edith Hooge, who suddenly left last month, according to Verbeek. It is a relevant theme at a time when science is under increasing (financial) pressure.
In his speech, Verbeek cited several UvA scientists who, in his view, represent the great social value of scientific education: scientists Tim Verlaan, Judy Shamoun-Baranes, Anniek de Ruijter, Meredith Glaser, Maarten Sukel and Steven Rudinac were mentioned by name, incidentally “just a few” from the large group of researchers that the UvA hosts.
In the current climate, the value of scientific education has taken on an extra dimension, according to Verbeek. For a long time, the discussion centred on the question of whether science is important in itself or mainly because of its contribution to innovation and the economy. “The current discussion is much broader and also concerns internationalisation, protests at universities, diversity policy and the political role of science in discussions about climate change and vaccination. Science is being questioned in a new way.”
Intimidating protest
In all this, everyone should be able to feel at home at the UvA, and that has not always been the case over the past year. “Especially our Jewish students and staff, who told me how they take off their Star of David, leave their kippahs at home, and feel lonely and excluded. So today I want to say to all of you, and in particular to our Jewish community: you belong here, this is your home too. Only if we hold on to each other can our university be a place where worlds truly come together. That is why I urgently appeal to all of us – students, staff, fellow administrators: let us choose our words and actions in such a way that they create space and enable connection. Protest may be sharp, but never hostile. Differences of opinion may be great, but they must never undermine our dignity. Address people and be approachable yourself. Verbeek said he wanted to make “clear agreements” with everyone about this in the coming period. “Not to restrict freedom, but precisely to use our freedom wisely.”
Edith Hooge
The audience also included the UvA’s brand-new Vice-President Richard Goldstein, whose appointment took effect today. Former Executive Board Chair Geert ten Dam was also present, but her (now former) successor Edith Hooge was not. “She should have been here,” said the rector. In mid-August, Hooge announced that she was stepping down as chair of the Executive Board after just over a year, having been absent since the end of May. Since her departure was announced on 13 August, the position of chair of the UvA has been vacant. A recruitment procedure will be launched in the coming months. Until a new chair of the Executive Board is found, the UvA board will therefore consist of Verbeek and Goldstein, with Verbeek acting as chair.
