Ghent (Eurotoday) – This academic year, Ghent University will celebrate its ‘Dies Natalis’ through indoor events while skipping the conventional procession. The news outlet HLN disclosed this information, which our editors verified. Due to police recommendations, the entire Dies Natalis event will be held indoors.
Ghent University has decided to cancel its traditional outdoor procession for the ‘Dies Natalis,’ the institution’s annual birthday celebration, due to concerns over potential pro-Palestinian protests. Police professionals, along with risk experts, advised the institution to cancel the event. As a result, the university will conduct all activities, including the procession, inside its buildings. The traditional street parade marking the anniversary has now been discontinued after years of annual processions in Ghent.
The decision to move the ‘Dies Natalis’ celebration indoors stems from fears of disruptive and potentially violent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Earlier this year, the university’s opening parade was interrupted by activists protesting the institution’s collaborations with Israeli entities. A pro-Palestinian student association continues to advocate for a complete severance of ties with Israeli institutions as the Gaza conflict leads to rising civilian casualties. The city council of Ghent approved a request allowing protesters to gather in front of the UFO building to voice their demands once again.
What is the history behind the protests and Ghent University’s decision?
University protests at Ghent University are part of the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to exert economic pressure on Israel to change its policies toward Palestinians. The rise in violence in Gaza since October 2023 has intensified these calls, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting 34,000 Palestinian deaths and 77,000 injuries. Pro-Palestinian activism in Belgium has grown, making universities key locations for demonstrations.
Protests at Ghent University continued throughout 2023, with activists occupying the UFO building to push for a boycott of Israeli educational institutions. While the university has implemented some of these demands, it has cited limited progress due to the lack of European Union support. The ongoing conflict and increasing activism have created a tense atmosphere, leading the university to prioritize safety by canceling its traditional outdoor procession for the ‘Dies Natalis’ celebration.
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