The Groninger Studentenbond (Groningen Student Union), along with 38 other organizations, has called on the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG) to withdraw its new protest regulations. The organizations claim that the university’s rules undermine the right to protest and freedom of expression.
“You’re hardly allowed to do anything anymore,” Ken Hesselink, chairman of the union, was quoted by RTV Noord as saying.
The new protest rules primarily target demonstrations inside university buildings. The regulations consist of 36 points, including restrictions such as prohibiting protests after seven o’clock in the evening, banning anonymous expressions, and prohibiting disruptions to lectures and ceremonies.
Big brother is watching (and calling the cops?)
Furthermore, the university states its intention to prematurely terminate demonstrations with the assistance of the police if demonstrators fail to comply with the new regulations or refuse to engage in dialogue with the administration. “It’s very paternalistic overall. The university cannot expect protests to proceed without causing any inconvenience to them. The new rules go against the whole idea of protesting. They claim to pursue de-escalation policies, but this feels more like escalation policy,” argues the president of the student union.
From rooftops to rulebooks: Remembering when protests had punch
The Groningen Student Union stresses the importance of preserving the right to demonstrate, which has a long history at the university. They assert that the university’s memory seems short, considering the intensity of past protests, such as those at the Maagdenhuis or the occupation of the DUO building’s roof. Despite being different times, the union believes such protests should still be possible today.
The recent surge in demonstrations surrounding the university, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, has prompted speculation that the new regulations may be a response to these events. While not explicitly stated, the union suggests that the university should remain neutral and allow freedom of expression, regardless of the issue being protested.
“Our house, our rules” (except when the cops show up…)
In response, a spokesperson for the University of Groningen defended the institution’s right to establish its own rules, stating that they own the buildings where the protests take place. They clarify that even when people attempt to occupy university buildings, they must adhere to these regulations. The university asserts its authority as an educational and research institution to establish its own policies, separate from street demonstration laws.
The controversy surrounding the protest regulations follows previous demonstrations regarding social safety issues at the university in March and April 2023. These protests were sparked by the dismissal of RUG head lecturer Susanne Täuber, with conflicting narratives between the university and Täuber regarding the reasons for her dismissal. The protests escalated to the point where the police were called to intervene, leading to accusations of excessive force by students against law enforcement.