Executive Board and University Council discuss security measures
In a confidential meeting, the University Council (UR) and the Executive Board (CvB) have discussed security within our buildings, partly as a result of media reports on this topic that appeared during the summer. The University Council has shared concerns expressed by staff and students concerning measures that were taken with the intention of ensuring their safety.
During this meeting, which took place on 9 September 2024, the Executive Board informed the University Council of the reason for and context behind these extra security measures. The Board discussed the specific situation at the Wijnhaven building in The Hague and explained why, in the opinion of the Executive Board, other safety measures are necessary there. The Executive Board also explained the measures mentioned in previous reports, such as security guards in civilian clothing, the powers granted to security staff, the role of student assistants, the role of the university, and cooperation with the police, the judiciary and the municipality. The confidentiality of this meeting was necessitated by the risk of information in the public domain being misused by third parties.
Security policy is a particularly difficult topic to discuss in a context in which public debate should be the norm. In its role as a representative body, the Council requires maximum transparency on the part of the Executive Board, also in the Board’s deliberations concerning matters of security policy. On the other hand, the Executive Board has pointed out that there are limits to this transparency, precisely because of its concern for the safety of students and staff in our buildings. In addition, the University Council has questions concerning the legal framework and proportionality of the measures.
The University Council and Executive Board have not yet reached an agreement on this subject but will continue their dialogue and would like to share this process with staff and students. The Executive Board and the University Council are still looking into the best format for upcoming discussions. They are also looking into how there can be room within the regular consultation structure for the sharing of sensitive, confidential matters.
The subject will be discussed further in the Consultative Meeting of the University Council on 14 October 2024.