The Groningen Student Union (GSb) has started a petition against the rules surrounding demonstrations, set up by the RUG. The students want the rules to be repealed.
Earlier this year, a list of rules was introduced at the university that should partially restrict demonstrations. This was done because the university board says it sees that demonstrations are becoming increasingly violent. The rules include a ban on demonstrations after seven o’clock in the evening, a ban on unaddressed flyers and a ban on disrupting classes and ceremonies. If the rules are not followed, the university will make it a new policy to have the demonstration cleared by the police.
The Groningen Student Union (GSb) is not happy with this development. “This goes directly against freedom of expression and puts pressure on the right to demonstrate,” says Ken Hesselink, chairman of the GSb.
The association believes it is important for an educational institution like the RUG that there is room for discussion and demonstrations. According to them, that is not possible
under the new rules.
The petition against the rules has now been signed more than two hundred times. “We hope to show with this petition that frustration with the new rules is widely shared,” says Hesselink. “You can’t just let demonstrations continue if they don’t bother you.”
The petition comes after the university board ignored a negative advice from the university council and a letter from the GSb signed by 40 organizations. However, the university has decided to withdraw the ban on photos and videos.
(Source: submitted message)
