The University Council came up with an unsolicited advice in response to the recent incidents of violence: Executive Board, take a stand against the violence and support the community. In particular when it comes to hatred or racism towards international UT students and staff.
President of the Executive Board Vinod Subramaniam expressed this support wholeheartedly. In fact, what followed was an impassioned argument. 'I've said it a hundred times: all our international colleagues are welcome here. I can't hermetically seal off the campus from all the hatred and problems of society. I do my bit, as a university we try to help and communicate where possible. And I hope for your support too. It is a joint task. We must speak out as a community and stand up against this violence.'
'Second-class citizen'
Subramaniam also pointed to the political climate, specifically the recent motion by VVD MP Bente Becker. 'That makes me, as a so-called nieuwe Nederlander, a second-class citizen. That applies to many of us,’ Subramaniam said as he looked at the council members. 'We have integrated ourselves in more ways than asked and we still don't count. That climate feeds these kinds of incidents.'
Specifically, the University Council asked whether the UT was already taking extra security measures. Subramaniam pointed to several conversations with the police and to the possible installation of extra security cameras, in places where possible and allowed. He also insisted on putting the UT emergency number (053-489 2222) in everyone’s phone. 'Our security is trained to deal with incidents, to help with reporting incidents and liaises with the police. Make use of that.'
Declaration as UT
Then the question remained: the campus ban for the perpetrators, what will become of it? Integral safety manager Erwin Medendorp had joined the discussion and replied that the police were handing out campus bans. 'That should help preventively. There are a lot of people on the UT grounds every day and we can't keep an eye on everyone. But we do monitor. If we find them again, we will report them as an institution. In that case, it is a criminal offense.'
Medendorp said that the number of incidents has not risen explosively. 'It concerns a small group of perpetrators and nine incidents. That group has been identified. Of course we have to continue to help each other, but fortunately most victims have found help. It is good to keep this in mind,’ said the safety manager. Yet, Subramaniam added: 'We should not normalize what is not normal.'
