VUB Disciplinary Proceeding Against Pro-Palestinian Students
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The rector of our university is initiating disciplinary proceedings against us, two students, because we are protesting for Palestine. On June 27, during the pro-Palestinian student occupation of the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), a staff barbecue took place on campus where several important figures were present. As a form of protest, we went there with a group to chant slogans, draw attention to Palestine, and ask our policymakers — both outside and within the VUB — to cut ties with Israel. The entire action was peaceful.
Present at the event was Koen Daniëls, a Flemish Member of Parliament from the N-VA (New Flemish Alliance). In response to our protest, Daniëls accused me and another VUB student. He reported "vandalism, inappropriate behavior, and harassment." The VUB chose to initiate official disciplinary proceedings with the disciplinary committee. We risk a one-year suspension from all university activities, including exams.
This is a form of intimidation and repression. The VUB is attempting to criminalize pro-Palestinian actions and protests and silence critical voices. This is a first step toward making pro-Palestinian protest impossible. It is an attack on every form of activism. It is outrageous that the VUB, at the request of a right-wing politician, is dragging two students before the disciplinary committee — merely for chanting slogans in support of Palestine.
We want the VUB to withdraw this disciplinary procedure. We also request financial assistance from the VUB. However, the VUB has responded to our request for financial support by saying they will not intervene. Therefore, we students will have to arrange and pay for our own legal assistance. This is very expensive, so we are forced to start a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs.
Thank you for your support. Here you can find the mass email we are sending to the rector and the VUB, to ask for the withdrawal of the disciplinary procedure:
Organizer
Johanna Mats Studenten VUB Palestina
Organizer
Brussels, BRU