According to Ghent University, also known as UGhent, this decision has been made due to these institutions no longer aligning with the university’s human rights policy. The university, which had already terminated its relationship with three previous institutions, is taking a firmer stance by severing ties with the remaining 18 institutions.
This significant move comes amidst escalating tension over Israel’s military operation in Gaza and prolonged protests by pro-Palestine demonstrators in Ghent since early May. It also follows a broader trend within Belgian academia; both the University of Antwerp and the Université Libre de Bruxelles have announced similar measures.
Ghent University conducted an investigation revealing connections between Israeli academic institutions and Israeli government, military, or security services. The investigation also references a recent ruling of the International Court of Justice, which stated that humanitarian conditions had worsened in Gaza.
However, the university will maintain current collaborative research projects with six non-academic Israeli institutions for which there is no evidence of human rights violations. While the move is welcomed by protestors, they assert that the university should extend its action to include the remaining partners and told Belgian broadcaster VRT that they will continue their protesting efforts.
