Within the university, students, employees and third parties regularly appeal to the university board to take moral, political or ideological positions. We see such calls during debates and actions that focus on international conflicts, the energy transition and inclusion. However, it is highly questionable whether the social mission assigned to the university is served by a board of any university unit that takes such positions.
About the author
Jan Bouwens is professor at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge.
This is a submitted contribution, which does not necessarily reflect the position of de Volkskrant. Read more about our policy regarding opinion pieces here.
Previous contributions to this discussion can be found at the bottom of this article.
Official position
If we want to promote freedom of expression, we must prevent opinions from being burdened because the administration or university departments (faculties, services, etc.) take an ‘official’ position. After all, those who do not subscribe to this official position will have their freedom restricted by the position. The ‘official nature’ of the positions makes opponents reluctant to speak out. This concerns students, alumni, PhDs, postdocs and the entire faculty staff.
Particularly in the context of promoting freedom of expression, I would like to call on the board and all administrative bodies of the university to exercise utmost restraint when taking moral, political or ideological positions.
There may certainly be exceptions. For example, the UvA’s mission states: ‘We are an innovative, passionate and independent university that is working towards a sustainable and prosperous future. Interdisciplinary research, collaboration and innovation ensure scientific innovation. We belong to the international top.’ And: ‘We stand for an open and curious attitude. We want to give students not only knowledge, but also the skills to navigate in a dynamic world. This requires diversity in perspective, agility and resilience. There is the freedom to ask questions and debate without hindrance. We do this with respect for everyone’s input, background and beliefs, so that everyone feels welcome and safe.’
Social mission
Naturally, the actions of an individual or a group can give rise to the UvA board or a department to act against the interests of that individual or group. If an individual or a group were to use freedom of expression to prevent others from expressing themselves freely, then the individual/group threatens the social mission of the UvA and, with that argument, measures could be taken by the UvA board to prevent to encourage those who have been de facto silenced by others to still want and be able to express themselves. However, that should be an exception to the rule. Everyone should be able to give an opinion without fear or shame.
Finally. After October 7, a student-initiated discussion on the topic took place at Dartmouth College in the United States. A student there expressed a point of view that was shared by many. It stated: ‘Never be satisfied with a simple story.’ Egyptian novelist and former diplomat Ezzedine Fishere then suggested that the audience ask themselves the question: “Are you trying to understand what is happening, or are you trying to find someone to blame?” People had the right to be outraged, he continued, but students also had the opportunity “to understand the complexity, which is often unpleasant because we encounter things that we want to avoid.”
‘Independent minds’
For the rest, it would be desirable for the board to refrain from moral, political or ideological positions, but to promote and enable research, dialogues and debates in this regard in order to realize the university’s mission. The formation of ‘independent minds’ is the motto that reflects the social function of the university.
Tags: Opinion position Gaza university management hindering freedom expression
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