CHRONICLE OF LAST TUESDAY’S EVENTS
The lecture had originally been scheduled to take place at the Neuron building but leading up to the lecture, it became apparent that protesters wanted to use the event to draw attention to the situation in Gaza. In response, security moved the lecture to the Gemini building as a precautionary measure and reported this to the local authorities. To accommodate the protest while ensuring the safety of the organization and speaker, the number of security guards was scaled up.
Eventually, about 30 activists gathered in and around the Gemini building at the time of the lecture. Some of them were in the room where the lecture took place, others were outside Gemini and forced their way in through the sliding door, which had been closed for security reasons when the lecture began.
Meanwhile, in the lecture hall, the protesters’ request for dialogue and discussion was accommodated, with the agreement of Professor Martens, the security present, and TU/e. The request to make a statement was also granted, thus ensuring the right to protest.
The idea was to finish the lecture for the students present after the discussion. Unfortunately, this did not work out. The discussion got so out of hand, and multiple requests from security to comply with house rules and end the action in a timely manner were ignored by the activists. The request not to film people without permission, which some felt was very intimidating, was also ignored by the activists.
When it became apparent that continuation of the lecture was no longer an option, and the atmosphere became more menacing, it was decided to remove Professor Martens from the crowd present. He then retreated, accompanied by security, to an office next to the room where the lecture was taking place. Outside the office, the exit was blocked by activists, thus obstructing free passage. After about half an hour, by which time the protesters had left, the professor was escorted to his transport by security.
EXECUTIVE BOARD RESPONSE
Despite the willingness to engage in conversation, the activists deliberately claimed so much time and space that the lecture could not be continued, and students and staff present experienced an intimidating and even threatening atmosphere. This is not in line with the values of TU/e, and the Executive Board disapproves of this way of demonstrating.Curious, Open, Respectful and Responsible. These are the important CORe values (core values) established this year by the Executive Board together with the TU/e community. The core values represent how we want to treat each other; our community is diverse and thrives on mutual understanding and respect.
It is our strength, specifically in times of polarization, to achieve dialogue, to give space to all voices, to continue to actively seek connection, and bridge differences. When debate hardens, it is especially important that we maintain an environment of understanding and cooperation on campus, and ensure that staff, students, and guests feel safe.
The Executive Board makes an urgent appeal to everyone in our community to continue to actively seek understanding and connection, to ensure that even on such precarious topics, everyone feels safe to express their thoughts and feelings. We strongly reject all forms of discrimination and anti-Semitism, and stand for an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all, strictly rejecting any form of intolerance.
Once again, in these times of tension, we urge everyone to remain calm and in dialogue with each other, respecting each other’s viewpoints and experiences. Not only in this situation, but also in the manner we relate to each other at our university. In these times, let us not only recognize our differences but, more importantly, let us share the common responsibility to remain a community that cares for and looks out for one another.
For individuals from our community who would like to speak to someone in response to the event or who are otherwise experiencing insecurity, staff at the Integrity and social safety desk are available. Here, both students and staff can go with questions and issues regarding integrity and (social) safety. The desk can also refer individuals to the right place to seek psychological support. Let’s look out for each other.
The Executive Board.