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UvA closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Executive Board response to events 13 May 2024

13 mei 2024

The Executive Board of the University of Amsterdam is shocked at the way a peaceful protest has been hijacked by violent elements who misuse their ‘right to demonstrate’ and deny the fundamental rights of others, including the media. It is unacceptable that people working or studying at the UvA are harassed, threatened and forced to leave their place of work or study.

This morning, there was a demonstration at university buildings, mainly buildings on the Roeterseiland Campus, in the form of a walkout. During this walkout, UvA students and staff expressed their outrage about the war in Gaza and about the ending of earlier occupations of UvA buildings. The Executive Board shares the sense of outrage. The demonstration was orderly, because of participants' intentions but also because of the efforts of the organisers. The Executive Board appreciates this and has expressed this to the organisers. 

When the walkout ended, many of the participants left. Some stayed behind and new people joined this group. The atmosphere immediately changed, face coverings were again worn and several buildings at the Roeterseiland Campus were penetrated by people dressed in black clothing and masks. They barricaded the entrances and exits, including emergency exits, creating an unsafe situation for everyone on the premises. There was deliberate vandalism everywhere. The UvA has filed charges of breaking in and vandalism. Besides being barricaded, the Library Learning Centre in the hall was demolished, and people entered several floors of the building, including that of the Executive Board. 

The Executive Board does not allow occupations, blockades, barricades or overnight stays in and around university buildings. On the subject of collaborating with external organisations, we are holding talks with our people within our existing consultation structures. These talks were already ongoing and will be intensified in the coming weeks. 

UvA buildings closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

The Executive Board cannot take responsibility for the safety of all those on campus now. For this reason, there will be no teaching at the UvA on Tuesday and Wednesday. Buildings on all campuses are closed. We do not expect lecturers to be able to teach online at such short notice. Students can find more information on Canvas. This applies to all faculties except the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry. 

More information 

For current information about the demonstrations, go to uva.nl/protests.