Messages were left at, among other places, the Heilige Geestcollege and the university library. — © JOHE/if
Leuven –
Pro-Palestinian activists applied graffiti messages to ten KU Leuven buildings during the night from Monday to Tuesday. “This does not demonstrate a respectful dialogue,” KU Leuven responds.
Hannelore Smitz and Jochen Henrouille
Yesterday at 4:23 PM
‘Genocide Free Gaza’. That message could be read on the facade of the University Library on Ladeuzeplein on Tuesday morning. And it is not the only university building where activists left messages. Similar messages were displayed on windows, doors and facades at various auditoriums in Parkstraat, the Psychological Institute in Tiensestraat, the buildings of Group T, Alma 2, the university parish and also the Heilige Geest College and the University Hall. (Read more below the photo)
The message was left on the facade of the university library. — © if
It is currently unclear who delivered the messages. But it is not entirely unexpected that they appear at university buildings. All kinds of protests have been taking place for months, in which activists are asking universities to stop their cooperation with universities in Israel. Students at Ghent University still occupied several university buildings on Monday.
Disrespect
“We deeply regret this action,” said KU Leuven. “Defacing our buildings does not demonstrate a respectful dialogue, something we really want to advocate. We want to be a safe community, with the necessary openness and space for dialogue, especially in times of war and unprecedented polarization.”
Rector Luc Sels sent a communication to all students and staff last week, encouraging everyone to be open to other points of view and to argue for differences in vision with respect. He himself entered into dialogue with employees and students about the war on both Monday and Tuesday.
Collaborations remain
The Leuven University has no structural ties with Israeli universities, but it does have project-based collaborations. Last week, the university decided to continue these ongoing research projects, after an investigation by the competent ethics committee. It showed that the projects did not contain content that could be misused for military purposes, nor could they be linked to a violation of human rights.
The police have drawn up a report. The technical services of KU Leuven immediately started cleaning up the groceries on Tuesday. By the afternoon this had been achieved at most locations.
The Psychological Institute was also defaced. — © JOHE