Guideline on demonstrations

Demonstrating is allowed at UU: we see peaceful demonstration as a great good. Demonstrations are part of our democracy. Positions may differ, but we always and everywhere value open conversation and the ability to disagree with each other. Because there are questions about demonstrating during working and/or teaching time, the Executive Board has adopted a guide regarding demonstrations. This guide has been discussed in the UNL context and is effective immediately.

For students

Students obviously have the right to demonstrate, but that right does not lead to the right to substitute education. Such a right puts great pressure on both teachers and the educational organization. This puts such a strain on the core tasks of our university that quality is compromised. The decision to participate in demonstrations lies with the individual student. It is important that the right to demonstrate remains in full force, and that the university grants students as much leniency as possible around the obligation to attend in order to exercise this right. However, this leniency does not apply to tests. Students are responsible for making up missed learning.

For employees

Employees who wish to participate seek coordination on this with their supervisor. Teachers have a responsibility to ensure that students do receive all the learning material within the duration of a course. Naturally, business continuity must not be jeopardized. It has been agreed within UNL that employees do not have to take leave for the demonstrations surrounding the cuts in higher education and science. 

For both students and employees, travel expenses for participation will not be reimbursed. Utrecht University will not arrange transportation to protest locations. 

Despite proper prior coordination, a situation may arise where so many students and/or faculty are not present that no teaching can actually take place. This is then a situation of force majeure. Depending on the situation consideration is given to which 'solution' can be chosen, with the option of arranging substitute teaching, and whether this applies at UU or faculty level. This is always customized and will be determined by mutual agreement.

This guide leaves room for administrators to explicitly and visibly support a demonstration. In doing so, the Executive Board maintains the line to consider this only for issues that demonstrably threaten the core missions of the university - education and research.