On December 13, 2023, unknown individuals smashed more than a dozen building’s windows, painting some of the glass with graffiti, at the University of Groningen.

The graffiti included slogans condemning Israeli military action in Gaza, such as “20,000+ dead,” “We will escalate,” “Free Palestine,” and “Gaza.”

The university condemned the vandalism.

Scholars at Risk is concerned with the intentional vandalization of a university building. Such acts erode the right to education, and diminish everyone’s access to a safe, free and open university space. State and de facto authorities should take all reasonable measures to prevent and respond to such incidents, including ensuring campus security and conducting prompt and thorough investigations, as appropriate.

Sources:
https://nltimes.nl/2023/12/13/university-groningen-library-windows-destroyed-pro-palestine-stunt
https://www.rug.nl/news/2023/12/reactie-rug-op-vernielingen-universiteitsbibliotheek?lang=en
https://ukrant.nl/ub-vandalised-with-pro-palestinian-slogans-windows-smashed/?lang=en