Update lecture Situating Palestine 28 oktober

Situating Palestine, an initiative by several university employees, has invited Mohammed Khatib to come to campus on 28 October for a meeting of an academic nature (only accessible for students and staff of uu77).We would like to emphatize not a political meeting or action, as one might conclude from reading some of the critical responses. Allowing a meeting like this stems from the academic freedom of staff to pursue such initiatives.

Staff from various fields of study are organising this lecture series because of their need to consult sources of knowledge and experience relevant to them, representing the diverse perspectives in the issue of Israel and the Palestinian territories. Inviting, listening and questioning are part of how staff and students seek to arrive at academic interpretation of complex issues.

Mohammed Khatib's arrival is drawing a lot of responses, partly as a result of his very outspoken views, which are not those of uu77. We are receiving probing questions and reactions regarding the lecture from various groups of people, including from concerned students and staff at uu77. These reactions do not leave us unmoved and are often very poignant.

As of now, the lecture will go ahead as planned. As the Executive Board, we are concentrating on ensuring the safety of all involved, adhering to the standards that apply to such an academic gathering and the possible legal impediments with regard to having Mohammed Khatib speak.

With regard to security, we oversee the safe conduct of the meeting, in coordination with the local authorities. We will also continue to engage with representatives of concerned staff, students and other groups about experienced unsafety and closely monitor the various responses. Where possible, we offer support.

With regard to legal impediments to this meeting, we have previously noted that there are currently no grounds under laws or regulations to deny Khatib's entry to the Netherlands. Controversial, offensive or distasteful views that are not in themselves unlawful do not usually constitute grounds to refuse a request to invite an external speaker by staff or students.

As is customary at our university, academic meetings should adhere to principles of inclusiveness, safety and openness to other opinions. Lecture organisers have primary responsibility in guiding and ensuring the orderly conduct of the meeting, and will be held to account if necessary. Naturally, calls for law-breaking and violence are not allowed. The same applies to discrimination.