Concerned students of EndFossil WUR occupied a wing of the Wageningen University & Research education building Forum again on tuesday. A similar protest was conducted on 22 May. On this page, we will provide live updates as they become available.
The occupation in Forum ended 7pm. The activists left the building with a message to the executive board that they will await the previously promised feedback next week and then decide on any follow-up action.
18.15
The occupation continues, the volume of the music was turned down. A conversation took place between Arthur Mol, Rector and member of the Executive Board, Dean of Education Arnold Bregt and the activists. Mol reiterated that, in line with the earlier promise, there will be feedback before the summer regarding change and/or adjustment of the current policy regarding fossil industry cooperation. This will be communicated in the week of 3 July.
A delegation of activists again expressed their demand: stop the cooperation and do it now.
Arnold Bregt further emphasised that he would like to remain in dialogue regarding the other demands expressed earlier regarding democratisation and decolonization as indicated at the previous occupation and earlier today.
15:15
The occupation continues. From the Let's Explore sessions, WUR sees support for the activists' concerns. However, expressions of annoyance among students and staff in the building about the impact of the action due to noise pollution are increasing.
The activists' demands as expressed today are exactly the same as those of the occupation in May. These were then discussed at length with them. Feedback on these demands was given again today both orally and in writing. The outcome of the internal process around decision-making on cooperation with the fossil industry is expected soon.
13:30
The occupation is accompanied by noise pollution preventing normal use of the Forum wing. At 12h WUR delegation summoned occupiers around 12h to end their action and leave building.
10:30
The protesters have made demands regarding collaboration with the fossil industry, democratisation and decolonisation of WUR. The protesters have been handed the house rules, which state that the protest may not interfere with education and research activities and that the building will close at 23:00.
WUR shares the protesters' concerns about the impact of fossil fuels on the climate. Dialogues have been taking place within the organisation on the partnership with the fossil industry through the so-called Let's Explore sessions: A series of three discussions on societal issues that affect the WUR community. The third and final session took place on 6 June, with students, employees and representatives of the Executive Board.
After the session, the Executive Board agreed to include the input gathered during the session in its considerations of whether or not the current policies should be changed. The board intends to report back before the start of the summer holidays.
09:00
Protest starts.
