To the International Studies Community

As you may have noticed debates surrounding Zwarte Piet have led to serious concerns the last few days and the temporary introduction of access control in Wijnhaven. As Programme Board we would like to underwrite the message of the Executive Board of the University about the university being a place open to debate based on arguments and for the need to conduct discussions on basis of trust and respect for each other.

With a very large intake of students from many different backgrounds with different cultures and identities, International Studies is a unique programme which has a special duty to provide and promote an inclusive environment in which all of us feel at home and differences are respected. The past few months we have been discussing what this means for our programme, asking ourselves whether we have always been able to live up to this task.

At the beginning of this academic year we have initiated a process which is intended to make people aware of the continuous need to pay attention to the nurturing of an inclusive environment. Discussions are presently taking place among staff about what providing such an environment means. Some student input is already provided in a working group on the Teaching Philosophy of the programme which will report during this year. In light of recent events we would like to intensify this process and include a larger range of student opinion in this debate, for example through sounding board sessions.

In all this we ask for your cooperation. Firstly in ensuring that everyone feels welcome at International Studies and in Campus The Hague on a day to day basis irrespective of people’s background or study programme. Secondly, by developing initiatives to foster an inclusive environment and lastly by providing us with input in this process. In the near future we will inform you of further steps for which we count on your contribution.

In all our dealings it should be clear that there is no place for intolerance in the university. 

On behalf of the Programme Board,

Joost Augusteijn