Utrecht University and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences Halt Funding to USC
Today, Utrecht University (UU) and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU) announced the sanctions imposed on the Utrechtsch Studenten Corps (USC), following the list made and distributed by USC members on which female students were sexually ‘reviewed’ by name.
“What happened exceeds the limits of what is permissible. We are an inclusive university, where all our students should feel safe,” said UU rector magnificus Henk Kummeling. “That is why we take this very seriously,” added Wilma Scholte op Reimer, chairperson of Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. “The sanctions clearly indicate that changing the unacceptable culture at USC is a prerequisite for the future. We are closely monitoring this together with UU.”
For the remainder of this calendar year, subsidies from UU and HU to USC will be terminated immediately. USC representatives will also no longer be welcome at official events of the University and the University of Applied Sciences during this period. Additionally, the institutions expect USC to issue public apologies to the students of the institutions, especially the affected female students. Moreover, the USC board must deliver a plan by May 1st aimed at improving social safety and implement it with the utmost care thereafter.
The action plan to be developed by the USC board will be evaluated based on aligning the code of conduct with the inclusive and socially safe environment pursued by the institutions, an appropriate sanction policy, and addressing the club culture, including the culture in the clubhouses. UU and HU will closely monitor the progress and effectiveness of the plan’s implementation. If results are not achieved, sanctions will be extended, and as of January 1st, 2025, the board grants of USC will be revoked. In this case, UU and HU will sever ties with USC.
Henk Kummeling stated, “We understand that cultural changes require significant effort and time. With these sanctions, we aim to underscore that USC members have crossed a line, with enormous harmful and irreversible consequences for their fellow students. It is crucial that the path to improvement is swiftly embraced by USC.”
UU and HU are in close contact with the female student association UVSV, of which around 30 members are named on the contentious list. Comprehensive assistance and support have been offered through UVSV and the lawyer representing the parents of the affected students.