What is the responsibility of the university in defending democracy?

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM (Utrecht Science Park), there will be a meeting to explore the role of the university in protecting democratic values. We aim to initiate a discussion taking into consideration both historical and empirical insights, as well as normative and governance-related questions.

The occasion for this conversation is the recent debate within Utrecht University about whether the university should provide a platform to parties that promote anti-democratic ideas. This issue has sparked discussion among staff, in the University Council, and in the Faculty Council of REBO.

Structure

The conversation consists of two panels of 45 minutes each, preceded by a short introduction. In each panel, three speakers will give a brief contribution, followed by discussion among themselves and with the audience. The event will conclude with a governance reflection.

Programme

• 15:00 Welcome by Moderator Rutger Claassen, Introduction by instigator Ido de Haan.
• 15:10 Panel 1: Is democracy under pressure from anti-democratic forces?
  Confirmed participants: Maarten Hajer (GEO), Denise de Ridder (FSBS), Jurgen Goossens (LEG) Beatrice de Graaf (HUM)
• 16:05 Panel 2: Does the university have a specific responsibility in protecting democracy?
  Confirmed participants: James Kennedy (HUM), Marc Hertogh (LEG), Franck Meijboom (HUM/DGK)And Juliette Mattijsen (UMC/Planetary Health)
• 16:50 Governance reflection. Confirmed participants: Wilco Hazeleger, Elaine Mak, Stefanie Beyens.

The meeting is an initiative of the Futures of Democracy platform within the theme Institutions for Open Societies.

Practical Information

• Date and time: January 28, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM
• Location: Minnaert Building 2.01, Utrecht Science Park
• Language: Dutch
• Admission: Free, maximum 70 participants.
• Registration required: Registration is now closed, as the maximum number of participants has been reached.