Response to the report of the taskforce on combating antisemitism

Dear students and colleagues,

At the start of this academic year, during the opening, we reflected on the pain and suffering taking place in our world. We spoke about violence, about justice, about the need not to look away, and about our responsibility as a knowledge institution to provide space for dialogue, multiple perspectives, and critical thinking without ever compromising our safety and dignity. 

Today, I attended the presentation of the Taskforce on Combating Antisemitism, which was established a year ago by the outgoing government to develop targeted proposals for the safety of Jewish students and staff in higher education. The report is available on the website of the Dutch Government. We will carefully review the taskforce’s findings and incorporate them into our own efforts. 

Against that backdrop, we as the Executive Board wish to draw attention to the report’s signals that Jewish students and staff in higher education feel unsafe. These feelings affect us deeply. They touch on who we are as a knowledge institution and what we as a community want and must be: a place where everyone feels free, welcome, and safe to study, work, and speak out. 

At the same time, we as the Executive Board want to be clear about our position. Antisemitism, discrimination, and other forms of exclusion are incompatible with our values. THUAS stands for justice, inclusion, human dignity, and the protection of fundamental rights. This requires us to create space for diverse perspectives and societal debate, and to ensure together that everyone’s boundaries are respected. 

Within our community, a wide range of political and philosophical views come together. That is precisely why it is our shared responsibility to ensure that debate and protest take place with respect, openness, and care for one another. Words matter, and our actions matter. Freedom of expression can and must never devolve into intimidation, exclusion, or a sense of insecurity. 

At THUAS, we therefore actively work on: 

• strengthening social safety for students and staff;   
• preventing and addressing inappropriate behaviour, and anticipating it when it arises;   
• providing space within clear frameworks and carefully guiding protest and civic engagement, with attention to safety and dialogue;   
• visibly demonstrating our responsibility toward everyone in our community who feels under pressure or unsafe. 

This commitment requires ongoing attention and reflection, especially in a world that seems to be growing harsher, and where geopolitical tensions are felt within our walls. 

Education is a form of soft power: the power of ideas, dialogue, and critical thinking. That power also demands dedication and determination. Alongside being Curious, Connecting and Caring, we are also Committed: to one another, to our values, and to a safe and just learning and working environment. 

We call on everyone to remain alert to signs of insecurity, to address each other with respect, and to make use of available support when needed. Only together can we continue building a knowledge institution that stands firmly in the world, yet remains steadfast in its principles. 

On behalf of the Executive Board, 

Elisabeth Minnemann