A demonstration took place on Woudestein campus from Tuesday 13 May to Saturday 17 May, organised by OccupyEUR, similar to protests at other universities in the Netherlands. The group asked for attention for international solidarity, climate responsibility and social justice within and outside the university. It was also calling for the termination of certain partnerships.
Erasmus University Rotterdam is at the heart of society and offers space for dialogue, also on topics that may be sensitive. Protests are permitted as long as they remain within the boundaries of the law, do not disrupt education and research, and the safety of students, staff and visitors is guaranteed. There was regular consultation between the university, municipality and police.
Do you have questions or concerns? Please contact your manager (staff) or your faculty (students). You can also contact Safe@EUR if you are dealing with undesirable behaviour or feel unsafe.
Tent camp cleared
Protesters broke up the tent camp during the night from Saturday to Sunday and left. More daubing with paint was done, which was removed on Monday morning. These daubings are also being reported for vandalism and, where possible, damages will be recovered.
Demonstration on campus
This morning, demonstrators called for a demonstration on campus at 1:00 PM. Around 20 people were present. It ended after just over half an hour. Additionally, there has been an increase in graffiti, including with paint, and a report of vandalism is being filed for this. For hygienic reasons, a portable toilet (Dixie) was placed this afternoon.
EUR vigilant about public expressions
Once again, a few demonstrators spent the night in tents on the plaza area of the campus. So far, contact with the group has been positive. However, yesterday campus security intervened following an incident involving a flag displaying a message inciting violence. The demonstrators were reminded of the previously distributed house rules. EUR remains vigilant about expressions that incite violence. Such expressions are not tolerated, and the university will take immediate action in such cases.
Quiet night
After a quiet night, during which some demonstrators spent the night in tents on the Plaza, the protest continues. About twenty people are present. The atmosphere is calm and the protesters are having conversations.
Start of protest
Around 11:00 AM a protest started at the Food Plaza. Tents were set up and flags were hung. The atmosphere was calm and there contact with the demonstrators was made.
