13 May 2024
Actions in the form of a ‘national walk-out’ took place today, including in Amsterdam. The action involved students and staff walking out of the lecture hall at eleven o'clock in protest and gathering on the Roeterseiland. Students and staff were free to participate or not.
The presence of around a thousand students and staff showed once again the high level of commitment to the terrible war in Gaza and its disastrous consequences. It is clear that there are many emotions among students and staff.
The official demonstration has now ended but many of the demonstrators remain gathered on Roeterseiland. Unfortunately, we note that a group of protesters has moved into the REC ABC, occupied and caused destruction.
We deeply regret that a peaceful demonstration now seems to be changing atmosphere after all. All buildings on the Roeterseiland are closed.
We urge anyone in a building on the Roeter Island campus to leave the building immediately.
Visit uva.nl/protests for more information regarding the demonstrations and the current situation on campus.