Subject: think and participate in the commemoration of the past of slavery
Dear students and employees,
2023 is the year that it will be 150 years ago that slavery was abolished in the Netherlands. On behalf of the Dutch state, Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologized on 19 December 2022. To reflect extensively on this historic event, we as Network Diversity & Inclusion will organize various activities around this theme in the coming year. The starting points are: creating a ‘welcome and safe’ feeling for everyone, creating awareness, and stimulating dialogue on this theme. It deals with themes such as structural exclusion and its impact, racism & discrimination, and decolonisation. We would like to do this together with you. Do you want to participate in this? Do you have (other) ideas/suggestions? All students and staff are welcome to join us! Send an e-mail toinfo.di@hu.nl
THE PURPOSE
The D&I Network aims to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at HU. It is therefore in line with our role to ask the HU community where this is not the case and to discuss where the feelings of dissatisfaction lie and what is needed or can help to remove these feelings. It is precisely this conversation with those involved that should reveal what feelings are alive and what can help with that. Together with those involved, we can then see which actions result from this and who does what.
In recent months, the Diversity & Inclusion Network has received many questions from both students and staff and has had discussions about commemorating slavery. For example, student studies are underway on the theme of racism, a Slavery & Racism minor is being developed, various activities are being organized (keep an eye on our agenda) and the theme is being put on the agenda in various forums. There is also a HU brainstorming group with people who are personally involved in this theme, for example, because of family history or origin. Does this also seem interesting to you? Send an email to info.di@hu.nl