As students and staff, we are free to engage in open debate with one another and explore different perspectives. Different viewpoints are welcome here – we cherish academic debate because it brings about development, innovation and progress.

What do we expect of you?

A vital component of academic freedom is an open culture in which we can disagree with one another yet still feel safe, a culture that gets us thinking and could even cause us to change our views. This benefits us. And you too have a part to play.

Anyone who stands for this freedom welcomes the opinions of others, because freedom comes with responsibility. If you are personally affected by opinions that differ from your own, try to ask questions, analyse and listen, but above all to keep the conversation going. Use well-reasoned arguments to share your point of view and try to see things from the other person’s perspective. At the same time, it is important that you do not exclude, humiliate or discriminate against anyone because of their opinions or background.

Friction sparks debate, sharpens the mind and ultimately produces brilliance. It leads to new knowledge for the world of tomorrow. And it is inherent to our close, enquiring and passionate community, of which you too are now a part. This is Leiden University in its breadth of perspectives.