‘New demonstration rules not with our consent’

Student party Lijst Calimero and the Personnel faction in the University Council are angry with the Executive Board (CVB) because of the new house rules for demonstrations.

According to the two parties – together accounting for 14 of the 24 seats, which gives them a majority in the council – the university continually states that the house rules have been introduced with the approval of the university council. But that is not the case, says Calimero leader Ale ten Cate.

The house rules, they are officially called Administrative framework for manifestations, were discussed in the University Council in February. The Personnel Faction, supported by Lijst Calimero, then asked the RUG board to withdraw them. They think they restrict the right to demonstrate too much.

Photos and videos

The RUG subsequently adjusted the document slightly. For example, the ban on taking photos and video recordings during protests in RUG buildings disappeared. But the council did adhere to the other principles: no demonstrations are allowed after 7 p.m., demonstrators must maintain discussions with the university, violence and intimidation are strictly prohibited, as are alcohol and drugs and primary processes (education, promotions and the like). should be able to continue as usual.

Now dismissing the negative advice from the Personnel Faction and Lijst Calimero as approval ‘is simply an incorrect description’, according to Ten Cate, who indicates that the house rules are extra topical now that pro-Palestinian actions are being conducted at several universities.

‘Step too far’

‘It is one thing that, as a CVB, you refrain from receiving our unsolicited advice. But to then pretend that the protest rules have been approved in harmony is really a step too far,” says Ten Cate.

Lijst Calimero further points out that more organizations within and outside the university are critical of the new rules, but that the Executive Board does not listen to anyone. The Groningen Student Union (GSb) has started a petition to persuade the RUG to abandon it.

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