Leuven (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): KU Leuven is evicting activists who protested against its policies. A court ruled they must leave the building within eight days, highlighting ongoing tensions over environmental issues.
In early August 2024, KU Leuven took legal action to remove three activists from the De Valk College building, which is an important part of the university. They asked the local court in Leuven to end the occupation. This happened after some tension between the activists and the university. The activists were protesting against the university’s policies, saying they didn’t support climate action and social justice. They used the building to raise awareness for their cause, which led to a standoff with university officials, making KU Leuven decide to go to court.
What are the legal implications of KU Leuven’s eviction of activists?
After the university’s actions, the three activists received a letter telling them they had to go to court. It has been said that this showed that KU Leuven wanted to solve the issue quickly. This letter was important because now the activists could face legal trouble for staying in the building. The situation showed the ongoing problems between universities and student activists, especially about environmental issues.
The judge said that the three activists and anyone else in the building have to leave within 8 days after they were told about the decision. They can be informed by a bailiff or by a notice posted in the college. KU Leuven can make them leave right away, even if the activists want to appeal. Carolien Saenen, one of the students protesting, said, “We thought we would get kicked out, but we think it’s unfair that future protests could be stopped like this.”
Saenen mentioned that they now have to pay legal costs, which is hard since the money was meant for rebuilding Gaza. They feel KU Leuven is trying to avoid criticism from within the university but plan to keep protesting because they believe KU Leuven’s connections aren’t following international law. The students will discuss their next steps, acknowledging that KU Leuven has the right to make them leave. Meanwhile, KU Leuven is glad to welcome new students and says this decision helps them prepare for the new school year, focusing on teaching and research for over 5,000 students and staff, including more than 700 new students starting soon.
