Leuven (Brussels Morning) – Students protested KU Leuven’s ties with Israel, 20 of them moved to the entrance hall of the rector’s office then got removed. University seeks respectful talks despite disruptions.
Some students who were protesting at KU Leuven got removed by the police as requested by the university. The police said it was all calm and no violence. One person even left on their own. The protesters were asking the university to stop working with Israeli group
Are KU Leuven Students Demanding More Transparency?
A group of KU Leuven students were protesting in the Law Faculty building for 12 days about Israel’s actions in Gaza. They wanted the university to cut ties with Israeli institutions. Today, 20 of them moved to the rectorate entrance hall. The police ended the occupation because the building had to close. Some students were taken out by the police and one left on their own. The protesters had vowed to stay until they were removed.
The students at KU Leuven wanted to show that they feel the university isn’t being open enough. They found out about collaborations with Israel not mentioned publicly. They want KU Leuven to end these partnerships like VUB and Ghent University. The activists also want to chat with rector Luc Sels and have asked him to come to the law faculty building for talks.
The university expressed disappointment about the lack of respectful conversation.They feel that trying to take over the rector’s office makes it harder to have a good talk and affects others work environment. The university still wants to have a peaceful discussion with the activists as long as it’s respectful and safe for everyone involved.
