Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – This academic year, Ghent University will celebrate its ‘Dies Natalis’ through indoor events while skipping the conventional procession. The news outlet HLN disclosed this information, which our editors verified. Due to police recommendations, the entire Dies Natalis event will be held indoors.
Ghent University has decided to cancel its traditional outdoor procession for the ‘Dies Natalis,’ the institution’s annual birthday celebration, due to concerns over potential pro-Palestinian protests. Police professionals joined with risk experts to direct the institution toward cancellation. The university will conduct every event, including the procession inside the buildings. The traditional street parade marking the anniversary has become a discontinued practice at the university after many years of annual processions in Ghent.
The decision to move the ‘Dies Natalis’ celebration indoors stems from fears of disruptive and potentially violent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Earlier this year, the university’s opening parade was disrupted by activists protesting the institution’s stance on collaborations with Israeli entities. A pro-Palestinian student association actively promotes total Israeli institution cut-off motions while the Gaza conflict continues to generate large civilian death tolls. The city council of Ghent passed a request to allow protesters in front of the UFO building so the group could repeat their demands.
What is the history behind the protests and Ghent University’s decision?
University protests at Ghent University belong to the worldwide Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement that uses economic pressure to force Israel to alter its Palestinian policy. The increased violence in Gaza since October 2023 has elevated these calls as the Gaza Health Ministry reports 34,000 Palestinian deaths along with 77,000 injuries. The pro-Palestinian activism in Belgium has grown steadily and universities now serve as main locations for demonstrations.
Protests at Ghent University continued repeatedly in 2023 when activists occupied its UFO building to promote boycotting Israeli educational establishments. The university implemented some of these demands but declared limited progress because of missing European Union backing. The ongoing conflict and rising activism have created a tense environment, prompting the university to prioritize safety by cancelling its traditional outdoor procession for the ‘Dies Natalis’ celebration.
