University working hard to create a safer work and study environment
Since the demonstration over a year ago on the Wijnhaven campus, Leiden University has developed plans and initiatives to create the safest possible work and study environment for our university community. The Executive Board would like to explain what has happened since and what else we can expect to happen.
The university began by scrutinising its safety and security policy. This resulted in the draft version of a ‘Safety and Security Policy Framework’. The Executive Board will discuss this at length with the University Council because it is keen to hear the Council’s input and advice.
Transparency and more consultation
The draft version of the ‘Safety and Security Policy Framework’ focuses on factors including efficient and transparent communication about safety and security, risk management, safety and security management within the university, safety and security measures, privacy, and student and staff consultation. The Executive Board hopes this policy framework will provide greater clarity on safety and security issues and allow for more transparent communication and increased consultation on this matter.
House rules, feelings, an open dialogue
The university has also taken various steps over the past year to increase the safety of our students and staff. New house rules on organising protests have been drawn up and a more inclusive approach developed regarding the use of university buildings and grounds. It is worth noting that all requests have been granted since the new house rules were drawn up.
The Board and university managers have also held meetings with representatives of the different groups in our community. The aim was to gain a better idea of the feelings and beliefs within our community and to promote mutual dialogue.
Berenschot report
Following 9 November 2023, the Executive Board instructed Berenschot consulting firm to investigate what happened before, during and after the demonstration. During this unannounced demonstration, some present felt intimidated by the demonstrators and complaints were made about the conduct of some security staff.
The Board thinks it important to speak out once again about what happened and to apologise if the conduct of security staff, after the demonstration and outside the building in particular, left people feeling unsafe and intimidated. The response to this came too quickly and was before all the facts were available. The Board has learned its lesson from this.
The Berenschot report has since been published and the Executive Board is familiar with its contents. The University Council will discuss the report in January. Read the report, the accompanying letter and the Board’s response.
Valuable contribution
The Executive Board hopes the initiatives above will make a valuable contribution to creating a safe campus for our entire community. The Board would like to call on everyone to work together to create a safe work and learning environment for all.