Friday 6 June 2025
- During the night of Thursday to Friday, several windows of the Berchmanianum were smashed. Curtains were also torn down and one of the walls of the building was sprayed with paint. The repair costs are considerable.
Monday 2 June 2025
- Tonight at the Spinoza Building of Radboud University, a lecture by speaker Alon Penzel was disrupted.
Immediately after the start, a group with props banged on the windows and the lecture was also disrupted inside the hall. Some disruptors left the hall after addressing security. About 10 other disruptors refused to leave the hall after being addressed by security guards. These persons were escorted out by an officer.
One of the protesters punched a crack in a window of the building. This is being charged. - This morning, university staff noticed that the tent camp behind the Huygens building had been dismantled.
Wednesday 28 May 2025
- An audio recording was made of a lecture by Situating Palestine without permission from the organizers. Situating Palestine is an initiative of various university employees. An audio fragment of the lecture ended up in a podcast. Recording and sharing recordings without permission is not permitted according to the GDPR and Radboud University's internal regulations. We will speak to that person if we know who is responsible for this.
Tuesday 27 May 2025
- In the early evening of 27 May, a pro-Palestinian demonstrator shouted a number of slogans in the Spinoza Building near a room where a lecture was being given at that moment by Juan Caldes Rodriguez, affiliated with the European Jewish Association. The slogans could be heard inside the room. When the demonstrator refused to stop and leave at the request of security, the university reported the incident to the police. A police officer then escorted the demonstrator outside. The lecture could proceed.
Monday 26 May 2025
- The president of the Executive Board, the rector and one of the deans had a one hour-long conversation with four protesters today. During the conversation the importance of suspending ties with Israeli institutions, examples of cooperation in scholarship, the term genocide and safety on campus were discussed. There was room for all participants to share views and concerns. The Executive Board has invited the four protesters to a follow-up discussion. Whether the four protesters will accept the invitation is still to be discussed.
Friday 23 May 2025
- The university library is open today as usual.
Thursday 22 May 2025
- The occupation of the university library falls under local trespass. As this is a criminal offence, which impacts the primary process of Radboud University, the police have been called in. The police arrived shortly after midnight to remove the activists from the building. These activists were first given the opportunity to leave the building voluntarily. A few complied. Those who refused to leave were carried outside by the police and detained.
- Activist students from Nijmegen Encampment occupied the university library on Thursday evening. The Executive Board received a press release from Nijmegen Encampment this evening stating that they will remain in the university library if their, previously formulated, demands are not met. Persons are not supposed to stay in Radboud University buildings after closing time.
The protesters refuse to leave the building. In doing so, the activists are not abiding by the previously communicated conditions to tolerate the tent camp for the time being.
Wednesday 21 May 2025
- A group of around 40 demonstrators marched across the campus around midday. The demonstration was peaceful.
- The Executive Board published a statement about the collaboration with two Israeli universities and suspended the institution-wide partnerships.
Tuesday 20 May 2025
- A spokesperson for the protesters announced today that they have accepted the invitation from the Executive Board to engage in dialogue. This decision was made after representatives from the university contacted the protesters again today and asked for a response. The meeting is currently being scheduled.
- On the evening of 19 May, graffiti was sprayed on Mercator 3. The university has reported this to the police.
Monday 19 May 2025
- Two university representatives today contacted spokespersons from the tent camp. It was again discussed with them that the university will not give permission for the tent camp, but for now will not take any action if the protesters comply with the conditions set earlier.
In the past few days, they have not abided them and the university deeply regrets that. Graffiti has been found on the campus. Also, the academic session of the dies natalis could not take place last Thursday. Moreover, the university has received signals from staff and students who do not feel safe.
Finally, it has been indicated that the Executive Board wants to invite the protesters for a meeting; with up to four students. This can only take place without face-covering clothing. Spokesmen for the tent camp are yet to let us know whether they will accept the invitation. - BBB Career Event cancelled. Since the protesters did not comply with the terms and conditions, and this poses unforeseeable risks, it has been decided to cancel the BBB Career Event that was to take place on campus on 21 May. This is extremely disappointing for all participants, students and staff as well as companies.
- Last weekend, graffiti was sprayed at various places on campus, including insulting texts. Radboud University files standard reports of such vandalism.
Friday 16 May 2025
- Looking back this week: It was an eventful week on the Radboud University campus. The aftermath of the events in the previous week was strongly felt, and it is clear that safety on campus is an issue that requires constant attention. While there should always be room for dialogue, there is never room for violence.
The tent camp built on Tuesday is still there. As long as the conditions set earlier - in terms of safety, keeping the grounds clean, accessibility and the continuation of teaching and research - are met, the college will take no action on the camp for the time being.
Although unavoidable, it is regrettable that we had to cancel the celebration of our 102nd anniversary on Thursday, 15 May. This happened after an activist took the floor and refused to end his speech. We are glad that the winners of the university medals and student awards were still able to receive their well-deserved recognition, albeit in a different form. The Executive Board believes it is important that there remains room for all facets of campus life.
On Friday afternoon, the Executive Board received the advice of the employee participation body on the proposed decision regarding the cooperation with two Israeli universities and the assessment framework for cooperation with institutions in conflict areas. The Executive Board will carefully go through this advice and come up with a response very soon. - The night in the tented camp went calmy. However, signals are coming out from staff and students who feel uncomfortable because of the camp. Those with concerns can contact their own supervisor or student advisor to express them.
Thursday 15 May 2025
- 14.30: After the opening of the Dies Natalis, celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the university, the ceremony was interrupted by a demonstrator who spoke in the auditorium. After listening to the demonstrator for several minutes, the demonstrator did not comply with repeated requests to end the speech, so the programme of the Dies Natalis could be resumed. As a result of this, the Dies Natalis ended. More information, including the full speech by José Sanders, was published online.
- 13.45: In the early afternoon, the university consulted with a spokesperson for the demonstrators. Of course, there will be an opportunity for the demonstrators to demonstrate. It was agreed that the demonstration will be non-violent, without destruction and will take place outside.
- 09.30: The protesters have announced a protest on 15 May on their own channels. The university is consulting with the protesters to jointly ensure that the protest can take place safely and without violence.
Tuesday 13 May 2025
- 19.50: The university has entered into talks with the demonstrators. It is not allowed to spend the night on campus. However, if a number of conditions - in terms of safety, keeping the grounds clean, accessibility and continuation of teaching and research - are met, the Executive Board will take no action on the tent camp for now.
- Around noon, pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up around twenty tents on a lawn near the Huygens building on the Radboud University campus.
Monday 12 May 2025
- The Executive Board published a statement about its proposed decision regarding partnerships with two Israeli universities and a consideration framework for partnerships with institutions in conflict zones.
Wednesday 7 May 2025
- The Executive Board published a statement in response to the violent pro-Palestinian protest that took place on campus earlier that day.
Tuesday 15 April 2025
- 13:25: The executive board has just ordered the activists to leave the premises for the last time. Everyone has done so on their own.
- 12.45: This morning the activists contacted the executive board. In response, the executive board called back and indicated that the activists are not allowed to stay in the building. They also invited the activists to a conversation. The executive board and the activists also had a conversation last night, in which the executive board indicated that they received the message, but that the activists should leave the premises.
- 10.15: The activists stayed in the building last night. The situation was and is being monitored continuously. We are in consultation with the security triangle on further measures. The College Hall complex has been closed. Education that was to take place there has been rescheduled in other buildings. The Culture Café is closed today.
Monday 14 April 2025
- 20.50: Radboud University is in consultation with the mayor, the chief public prosecutor and the police unit chief. A report will be filed.
- 18.55: The Executive Board and the activists have been in contact. During this conversation, the Executive Board indicated that it had heard the activists' message well - these call for cutting ties with Israeli institutions - and referred to the process the university is currently in regarding international partnerships. Talking to the spokesperson of the activists, the college indicated that if the activists did not leave the building by closing time, the police will be called in. The university is then pressing charges.
- 17.45: At the end of this afternoon, a group of activists occupied the air bridge between De Refter and the Radboud University Library, as well as part of a corridor in the Lecture Hall complex. The activists were told that the building closes at 7pm and must be empty. The entrances to De Refter, the Erasmus Building, the College Halls Complex and the University Library have been set to walk out: this means that people can no longer enter those buildings. The CultureCafé closes no later than 6pm, but in the meantime no services are provided there.
Tuesday 1 April 2025
- At the request of the Executive Board, the International Partnerships Advisory Committee has submitted a preliminary recommendation about the circumstances the University should when the university should discontinue, not enter into, or make adjustments to an international partnership.
Friday 20 December 2024
- Today, a demonstration was organised to draw attention to the arrests following the events of last Monday, 16 December, when six people were arrested and detained at the police station. This followed after acts of vandalism in Theatre Hall C, which were reported by the University and for which the estimated damage is €30,000. A petition with more than 800 signatures was also presented to the Executive Board by email today, with a number of demands.
- Vice President of the Board Agnes Muskens spoke to a delegation of protesters. The Executive Board is concerned for all those involved in last week's events. If anyone has any relevant information about these events, they are asked to share it with the police. It goes without saying that Radboud University will also be thoroughly investigating and evaluating the incident in coming weeks.
Monday 16 December 2024
- Radboud University posted an update on the work in the first phase of the Partnerships Advisory Committee.
Friday 25 October 2024
- Radboud University posted a message about Mohammed Khatib's lecture not going ahead due to the entry ban.
Thursday 3 October 2024
- Radboud University Partnerships Advisory Committee launched
Monday 8 July 2024
- Radboud University posted a message Concerns and actions at Radboud University – Summer update 5
Monday 1 July 2024
- The restrictive measures regarding Gaza/pro-Palestine demonstrations on the Radboud University campus have been withdrawn by the Mayor of Nijmegen.
Monday 17 June 2024
- Radboud University posted a message 'Interpretation of partnerships is an aspect of academic freedom'.
- Monday 24 June, a consultation meeting is held with the Executive Board at the request of the University Joint Assembly following various developments around demonstrations and actions.
Friday 14 June 2024
- Executive Board President Daniël Wigboldus and Rector José Sanders were interviewed by Voxweb regarding the demonstrations and actions at the university in recent weeks.
Tuesday 11 June 2024
- Prof. Lagendijk's statement on LinkedIn that two chair groups no longer want to support agreements with two other universities was made on his own behalf. For Radboud University's positioning, please refer to this post.
Sunday 9 June 2024
- The Executive Board shared a statement about the announced lecture by Situating Palestine on Monday 10 June.
- The mayor has decided that Gaza/pro-Palestine demonstrations on the Radboud University campus may only take place at a designated spot, next to the Elinor Ostrom building, at location P7a.
Saturday 8 June 2024
- An open letter (in Dutch) appears in Trouw announcing that Dutch universities will not cut ties with Israeli universities. This open letter was signed by the rectors of the universities, including our own rector magnificus José Sanders.
Friday 7 June 2024
- TvA1 will largely reopen from Monday 10 June. Some spaces on the first floor will remain closed for longer due to repair work. Users of the building will be directly informed via e-mail.
Thursday 6 June 2024
- Radboud University posted an update on the occupation and vandalism of TvA1 and the evacuation of the tent camp.
- Thomas van Aquinostraat 1 is closed today and tomorrow. All other buildings on campus are open as usual.
Wednesday 5 June 2024
- By order of Mayor Hubert Bruls, in response to the havoc in TvA, the tent camp is being cleared. The following statement goes out via the Municipality of Nijmegen:
"The tent camp will be cleared tonight with the permission of the 'gezagsdriehoek', because of the clear relationship with today's destruction and occupation. It has to stop now. No destruction or violence should ever be needed to make a stand." - The police have carefully gone through TvA 1. The building is empty. At this time, we do not know when the building can be used again. Thursday and Friday educational activities will be rescheduled. About workplaces, people involved will be informed as soon as possible.
- At the end of this afternoon, protesters occupied Thomas van Aquinostraat 1. The group of about 30 set up tents in the courtyard of the building, placed barricades in front of the doors, turned on fire hoses and applied numerous graffiti to the building. These were acts unacceptable to Radboud University.
The protesters would not leave after being asked to do so by security, and indicated that they would not leave the building voluntarily. Eventually, the activists did leave the building; police who arrived around 10 p.m. found an apparently abandoned building with complete havoc inside. She combs the building, room by room, just to be sure.
Not to mention the increased stress and time the entire occupation has cost security and other professionals, it will be a lot of work to restore the building and make it usable again; teaching and other duties will have to be moved for several days.
We are deeply indignant about the occupation and vandalism. This behavior is unworthy of Radboud University.19:00: The building has been barricaded and defaced, and tents have been set up in the courtyard. - The protesters have not yet complied with the request to leave the building.
- Protesters have occupied part of TvA. Safety & Security asked the protesters to leave the building at 18:00.
Monday 3 June 2024
- Rector Magnificus José Sanders shares a column “About Listening”, in which she reflects on communicating within the academic community.
Saturday 1 June 2024
- Several spots on campus were sprayed with graffiti again. They have been cleaned and report of vandalism was filed.
Friday 31 May 2024
- After the public University Joint Assembly, the protestors held a demonstration on campus that ended at the Berchmanianum building. Around noon, about 20 protestors consisting of students and staff, entered the offices of the Executive Board. They gained access to the building through the side entrance, which can be accessed with an employee campus card. While standing in the central hall of the building, they chanted slogans were, with which they personally addressed president of the Executive Board Daniël Wigboldus. The university spokesperson communicated again that the Executive Board would meet with representatives of the protesters next week, and then asked them to leave. The protesters did not comply. The group of protesters then entered the office of the president, who was meeting with vice president Agnes Muskens. The protesters’ faces were not covered, but they were carrying flags. Security was called upon and they subsequently asked the protesters to leave several times. The president and vice president left the office. Around 13.15 p.m. some of the protesters left the building. The remaining 10 protesters occupying the president's office and the two protesters in the central hall left the building around 15.00 p.m.
- An additional, public University Joint Assembly was held this morning in response to the demonstrations on campus. It proceeded peacefully in the presence of a number of protesters and staff.
Wednesday 29 May 2024
- Situating Palastine Collective has announced a demonstration on Thursday, 30 May, at 12:15 p.m. They have invited the Executive Board to meet with student and staff representatives at that time. In response, the Executive Board has indicated that it would like to meet with representatives next week. This week, the conversation with the participational bodies is their priority.
- The Executive Board has decided to hold an additional University Joint Assembly on Friday, 31 May.
Tuesday 28 May 2024
- Radboud University posted an update on the evacuation of the Erasmus Building on Monday night.
- Meanwhile, the Erasmus building has been cleared and cleaned and the low-rise building can be used for teaching purposes again tomorrow. Students are advised to keep an eye on their timetable, as always.
- As mentioned yesterday, the low-rise part of the Erasmus building still needs to be put in order. Where this has not yet been achieved, alternative teaching locations will be offered.
Monday 27 May 2024
Evening:
- The Executive Board repeatedly, urgently asked the protesters to leave the Erasmus Building voluntarily and peacefully. This has not been followed up. The next step is up to the police.
- The Executive Board of Radboud University once again urged the students to leave the Erasmus Building. When this was not complied with, at about 11 p.m. the Executive Board ordered the demonstrating students to leave the Erasmus Building. The Executive Board sees the great commitment of the demonstrating students.
To date, the demonstrators at the university have been given every opportunity to make their voices heard. That voice is being heard and is already influencing university policy as evidenced by previous updates.
However, the current form of demonstrating exceeds the limit of what is permissible. Several educational activities could not take place as planned as a result of the demonstration, forms of vandalism have occurred, and hand-held fire alarms have been unnecessarily pressed several times since the occupation. All of this creates an undesirable and unsafe situation for all staff and students. If the protesting students do not comply with the order then the police will evacuate. - The Executive Board called the spokesperson for the protesters to invite him and two other demonstrating students to a conversation about the situation that had arisen. The Executive Board takes that situation so seriously for the safety of all students and staff that the police would be present at the conversation in the Berchmanianum. The spokesman for the protesters did not want to accept the invitation because he wanted to talk about the demands.
Subsequently, the Executive Board offered to meet with the spokesperson with two fellow students tomorrow at 9 a.m. to talk. But on the condition that the protesters leave the building now. The Executive Board states that protesters have to leave the premises for security reasons. - Several windows were taped with silver foil by protesters and furniture was placed in front of doors by way of a barricade.
- A number of protesters did not leave the Erasmus Building after closing time (at 7:00 p.m.).
Afternoon:
- On Monday 27 May 2024 in the afternoon, a group of protesters occupied the second floor of the Erasmus Building, including an entrance to rooms where teaching was supposed to take place. As a result, 18 teaching activities could not go ahead as planned. It is as yet unclear how many of these activities could proceed at another location. The protesters once again expressed their wish to enter into dialogue with the Executive Board. The spokesperson of Radboud University contacted the protesters' spokesperson on behalf of the Executive Board and informed them that occupying buildings and disrupting teaching was not permitted. The protesters' spokesperson was also informed that they could expect to receive an invitation for an interview with the Executive Board at a later moment.
- An incident took place in the bicycle basement of the Erasmus Building in response to vandalism, leading to the arrest of two protesters. For further information, please contact the Nijmegen police.
- The team working on the accelerated establishment of a Partnerships Advisory Committee held their first meeting.
- Around 12.00 p.m., a ‘walk out’ took place in front of the Berchmanianum administration building.
- Radboud University was informed by the protesters that they were preparing to escalate to Phase 3.
- Radboud University posted an update regarding the concerns and actions at the University. This update states, among other things, that administrative contact with partner institutions will begin this week, and that there will be an integrated assessment framework, which can be used to evaluate partnerships with institutions.
Friday 24 May 2024
- The shoe campaign continued and reached the front door of the Berchmanianum building.
- During the day, a talk took place between the Executive Board and 12 representatives of protesting students and staff members who support them on behalf of Situating Palestine Collective. During this talk, an open letter expressing staff support for the protesters' demands was handed over to the Executive Board. At the time, the letter had been signed by 300 employees (that number later grew to at least 350). During this talk, the protesting students reiterated their demands, and the members of the Executive Board indicated that they were speeding up their efforts to establish a Partnerships Advisory Committee.
- Around 12.00 p.m., a ‘die in’ took place in front of the Berchmanianum administration building, with protesters lying on the ground.
- In the morning, it became apparent that the windows and walls of the Berchmanianum building had been sprayed with red and black paint. Later that day, the slogans were removed by a cleaning company. A report of vandalism was filed.
Thursday 23 May 2024
- The windows and walls of the Berchmanianum administration building, and the white letter logo in front of the building, were sprayed with red paint. A report of vandalism was filed.
- Around 12.00 p.m., a ‘sit in’ took place at the intersection of Erasmuslaan and Heyendaalseweg.
- The Executive Board received a request from the Situating Palestine Collective announcing that staff members of Radboud University would hold a staff demonstration on Friday 24 May at 12.15 p.m. to express their support for the students in their demands and their right to protest; afterwards, a group of staff members would want to enter into dialogue with the Executive Board about the demonstrations, and present a petition to the Executive Board. Earlier that week, Radboud University had received an e-mail on behalf of the protesting students, calling on the University to engage in dialogue about their demands by Friday 24 May. Both requests were granted, but the protesting students and staff wanted to meet with the Executive Board on Friday 11.00 a.m. with 12 students and staff. The Executive Board agreed to this meeting.
Wednesday 22 May 2024
- Around 12.00 p.m., a ‘sit in’ took place at the Maria Montessori building. During the action, an incident took place between protesting students and professional services staff.
- Radboud University posted an update regarding the concerns and actions at the University. This update included an overview of the institution-level partnerships the university is currently engaged in, and an update on the accelerated establishment of a Partnerships Advisory Committee.
Tuesday 21 May 2024
- A Situating Palestine seminar was held at the Lecture Hall Complex.
- The President of Radboud University called the spokesperson of the protesting students about the protest march and the protesters climbing onto the roof of the Refter and the Lecture Hall Complex. The spokesperson could not be reached.
- Demonstrators walked in a protest march to the Berchmanianum administration building. They wanted 30 protesters to meet with the Executive Board. The Executive Board wished to talk to 10 protesters. The protesters did not respond to this request.
Monday 20 May 2024
- In the afternoon, the Rector Magnificus contacted the spokesperson of the protesting students to indicate that the Executive Board did not want overnight stays in tents on campus and was concerned about the safety of students and staff.
- In the evening, the Rector Magnificus contacted the spokesperson of the protesting students to indicate that no additional tent camps were allowed on the campus grounds.
Saturday 18 May 2024
- Protesters placed tents next to Thomas van Aquino 1. The Rector Magnificus indicated to the spokesperson of the protesting students that no tents were allowed to be placed there.
Friday 17 May 2024
- Protesters climbed onto the roof of the Lecture Hall Complex.
- The President of Radboud University tried to contact the protesters' spokesperson, but was unable to reach them.
- A meeting took place between the Executive Board and the protesters, in which the protesters communicated their demands.
This overview will be completed.
