Occupation of university building ended
On Friday morning November 15, pro-Palestine protesters occupied the university building on Drift 13. This happened during a Bachelor’s open day at Utrecht University. The activities for prospective students and their parents were immediately moved to other locations so that visitors would not be confronted by the occupiers and the Open Day could continue as per usual.
Utrecht University (UU) is responsible for everything that happens on its premises and could not guarantee the safety of the protestors due to the barricades. That is why the police ended the occupation around 19:30.
From the start of the occupation, the demonstrators were informed several times that they had to leave the premises by 17:30, at closing time. Peaceful demonstrations are a part of our democracy and are always permitted at UU. However, occupying a building - which today involved face coverings, barricades and the prevention of open day activities - is not allowed. Repeated requests and orders to leave before closing time were unfortunately ignored.
In conversation with protestors
In the afternoon, Margot van der Starre, the Vice President of the Executive Board, had an extensive conversation with the protesters. However, they indicated that they did not want to leave the premises and reiterated their demands.
Evacuation
Throughout the day, there were several consultations with the police and the municipality. Around 17:00, with police support, the protesters were formally ordered to leave the university building. Ample time was given for this request. Unfortunately, part of the group decided not to leave. At that point, local authorities - the mayor, the public prosecution service, and the police - took over. Around 19:30, the building on Drift 13 was evacuated by the police. The building is expected to reopen during the course of next week.
We will continue to inform you of further developments via uu.nl, please visit the UU and the situation in Gaza and Israel page for updates.
The Executive Board of Utrecht University,
Anton Pijpers
Henk Kummeling
Margot van der Starre
Would you like to continue the conversation? Or do you need help?
Utrecht University is committed to supporting everyone who is directly or indirectly affected by these events. We offer our students and employees support in this regard. If you are a student and are looking for information, advice or guidance, check the page Who to contact? to see who you can contact