Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ghent University suspended right-wing student group NSV! for 6 months after offensive posts targeting transgender rector Petra De Sutter and anti-foreigner actions, violating the inclusion and respect rules.
AS VRT News reported, Ghent University has suspended the right-wing student association NSV! for 6 months following several controversial actions. Earlier this spring, the board of Ghent University submitted a formal proposal to expel the right-wing student association NSV! after reviewing the group’s controversial actions.
What prompted Ghent University to suspend NSV! for 6 Months?
The proposal was approved by the Social Council, allowing the university to take disciplinary measures. Today, Sep 12, 2025, NSV! appeared before the Executive Board to explain its position and respond to the concerns raised. After the hearing, the board decided to suspend the association for 6 months.
The 6-month suspension means NSV! will lose all rights as a recognised student association. The group will no longer receive any subsidies from the university. It is also barred from using university buildings for its activities free of charge during this period.
NSV! has stated that it plans to challenge the sanction and fight the loss of recognition. University officials said the suspension is intended to ensure that all student associations follow the rules and uphold the principles of respect, inclusion, and democratic conduct on campus.
“All of this is an attempt to hinder right-wing students’ freedom of expression,”
says chairman Tom Clays.
“We’ve seen that since the loss of recognition in Leuven, the attack on the NSV! has been launched on all fronts. We will remain present in Ghent no matter what to unite nationalist students.”
The university said the decision is necessary to protect a safe and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty. Officials emphasised that any behaviour that is discriminatory or transgressive, whether online or offline, will not be tolerated.
“We’re in danger of becoming a minority in our own country because of the endless hordes of foreigners,”
they said at the time.
The latest incident took place during the rector elections, when NSV! posted a photo of the 2 candidates, current rector Rik Van de Walle and Petra De Sutter, on social media. The caption said,
“May the best man win,”
and included a winking emoji.
The post drew criticism because De Sutter is a transgender woman. She was assigned male at birth but transitioned years ago. De Sutter became Europe’s first openly transgender minister and was elected earlier this year as the new rector of Ghent University. The university said the post disrespected the dignity of the rector and the wider student community and violated rules on respect and inclusion.
Earlier in 2025, the association called for protests against foreigners. Ghent University said these actions went beyond acceptable behaviour and broke the regulations for student associations. The rules state that associations must respect democratic principles, uphold fundamental rights, and avoid discriminatory or offensive conduct. NSV! failed to follow these rules, which led to the 6-month suspension.
