Leuven (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Student activists at KU Leuven took over College De Valk mid-May. They left on September 15 because of a court order and planned a “walk of shame” on September 18.
Since mid-May, a group of mainly student activists started occupying a building at KU Leuven to protest. They took over College De Valk, an important place in the university. It has been said that as weeks passed, their protest became more organized, and they set up a tent camp on the grounds. This tent camp symbolized their commitment and a center for their activities.
What led to the eviction of pro-Palestinian activists from KU Leuven?
A judge in Leuven decided that the students and activists must leave the building by September 16. The ruling stated that anyone who stayed after this date would have to pay a fine of €250 for each day they remained. This decision put pressure on the activists, who had been using the space to express their concerns, as they now faced financial penalties if they continued their occupation past the deadline set by the court.
The activists decided to leave the building early on 15th September to avoid problems, but they’re still determined to support their cause. They said there are other ways to push for an academic boycott. They gathered with professors and supporters to end their protest, sharing readings and poems while chanting slogans like “shame on KUL” and “free Palestine.” Although they’re sad to stop, they believe they made an impact, especially since the university rector, Luc Sels, has called for a ceasefire, which they think is partly due to their efforts.
Activists plan a “walk of shame” on September 18 at 9:00 AM in Leuven. They still want the same things, a complete boycott of Israeli universities, help for Palestinian students, and a call for a ceasefire from the university. They also want KU Leuven to be clear about its partnerships and to recognize Israel as an apartheid state. They said they will keep protesting until their demands are met.
