Inclusivity is a right. A hard-won right. And that right still needs to be fought for every day, so that everyone can be themselves. That’s what Pride Amsterdam was about last week. And it seems so logical: everyone participates, everyone matters. That’s inclusive thinking. However, in practice, it turns out that "participating" in life is much more natural for some than for others. And that is something we simply cannot accept.
VU Amsterdam has stood for inclusivity since its inception. When it comes to Abraham Kuyper’s "little people," it’s not just about those who cannot afford their studies without help. It’s equally about minority groups with different skin colors, sexual or gender orientations, and religions. Everyone is welcome at VU Amsterdam. We truly value that founding principle.
So, inclusivity is a matter of values. And those values are expressed and emphasized every day by the flags that were recently stolen from the main entrance of VU Amsterdam. But inclusivity is also a matter of quality. A university community should be drawn to this! A conversation held with people from diverse backgrounds is a qualitatively better conversation. That’s why VU Amsterdam is so committed to the mixed classroom. It’s a proven concept to enhance the quality of learning. The idea is simple: be curious about others. The other is not a threat but an enrichment. Please remember this-it’s an important point. When you listen and try to empathize with others, your own perspective, knowledge, and experience become better. Enriched. This is what our upcoming dies natalis will focus on.
At a university, you can expect sharp discussions. We should challenge each other and disagree on the content. But let’s always treat each other with respect. And: address each other openly. Don’t secretly steal a flag, but have the courage to engage in conversation, being willing to have your own viewpoint challenged and, if necessary, adjusted. That’s what academic work means. We can be tough on content, but let’s be gentle with people. After all, you and I are all we’ve got, especially in tougher times of budget cuts and conflict.
I hope we will enter a beautiful and meaningful academic year on September 2nd. I wish that each of us can make our point, but also that we continually find the willingness in our hearts to listen. We can handle anything, we can discuss anything, as long as we bring each other along. I repeat: Everyone participates, everyone matters. That is my mantra, from deep conviction.
Many thanks.
Be well.
Jeroen Geurts
Rector Magnificus of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
