UPDATEStudents at the University of Ghent are asking that the educational institution take a clear position on the war in Gaza. Nearly a hundred students gathered at the UFO on Monday afternoon because that position was not forthcoming. They targeted Rector Rik Van de Walle severely, but otherwise the occupation remained peaceful.
Sofie Van Waeyenberghe, Jasper De Spiegeleer
06-05-24, 10:24
Latest update:
06-05-24, 20:07
After a lot of mystery about the location and timing, a procession of students came, neatly two by two, to the University Forum, UFO, around noon. There, about a hundred demonstrators pitched tents, set up picnic tables and the occupation started. In peace: protest songs were sung and slogans were painted on banners. Only the protest to Rector Rik Van de Walle was loud. “Rik Van de Walle, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide,” they chanted, just a stone’s throw from his desk. Van de Walle did not stay home, he is currently in the United States on a working visit.
“We demand a clear position from Ghent University regarding the conflict in Gaza. We want Ghent University to break ties with Israeli organizations and be completely transparent about those bilateral agreements. We know that they exist, but people refuse to provide clarity about this,” says Siska, who does not want her full name in the newspaper. “It is encouraging that an open letter has been signed by more than 200 people, including many prominent figures at the university.” Even before the occupation could start, Prime Minister De Croo noted that Belgium must re-examine its ties with Israeli organizations.
End Fossil Ghent, another organization that is on the barricades together with Ghent Students for Gaza, wants Ghent University to take the lead in sustainability files. Last year, End Fossil Gent also occupied Ghent University buildings. Occupiers also came to the UFO and the Blandijn then, although the numbers were slightly lower. “We count on hundreds of sympathizers over the three days, but not everyone can be there. We have to be realistic: many are now finishing a thesis or preparing for exams.”
(Read more below the photo)
Protest in the US
The organizers therefore call for no violence and for the occupation to proceed peacefully. Students can therefore go to class, although they will have to maneuver past the tent camp, which will be 20 strong after a few minutes. The activists have also developed a three-day program. A film will be shown and a debate evening will be organised. There is no chaos: the occupation is clearly prepared down to the last detail.
The action was not permitted by the university, but there is a tolerance policy at Ghent University. In concrete terms, no open fires are allowed and there are always stewards who keep an eye on the ins and outs of the action. Nothing can go wrong while camping at night. The occupiers were therefore well briefed: a ‘packing list’ circulated in advance. So a cup and plate, cutlery and warm clothes are in the backpacks of these students. It gets cold in the UGent buildings after nightfall: that is a fairly recent climate measure by Ghent University.
LOOK. “The university has no plans to stop collaborations for the time being”
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Tags: Rik Van Walle hide students occupy University Forum demand explanation Ghent University war Palestine Instagram VTM NEWS
