The statement follows the “many questions” that the Executive Board has recently received, says spokesperson Koen Augustijn. The statement does not contain an unambiguous position in the conflict. Pro-Palestinian students previously demanded that UM turn its back on Israel.
“Safe dialogue”
The Executive Board understands the appeal to take a stand, but primarily wants to offer space “for an open and safe dialogue” and room to “exchange thoughts and form opinions”: “Consequently, we are cautious when it comes to taking a stance in conflicts in the world, however horrendous they are.”
In order to make dialogue possible, a meeting will be organised for employees and students. Exactly what this will look like and when it will take place, Augustijn could not say yet. It is clear that “all voices” must be heard, as long as there is no appeal for hatred, violence, antisemitism or discrimination.
Feelings running high
The war between Israel and Hamas has caused feelings to run high at Maastricht University for a while. Pro-Palestinian posters appeared in various university buildings and on 1 November, pro-Palestinian students and people from outside the university occupied University College Maastricht. Last Thursday, it appeared that the UM Executive Board building on the Minderbroedersberg was daubed with pro-Palestinian slogans. Before that, other buildings were covered in pro-Palestinian graffiti.