Newsletter
Diversity & Inclusion |
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| D&I Symposium: 'Becoming an inclusive university' |
At our annual Diversity & Inclusion Symposium, students, staff and alumni discussed how to make the university more inclusive in practice. The programme focused on inclusive learning environments, accessibility, and diversity in research, teaching and leadership. Speakers emphasised the role of language, the importance of diverse perspectives, and ongoing barriers, particularly for people with disabilities. While initiatives such as toolkits and training are in place, the key challenge is embedding inclusion structurally in everyday practice. Through interactive sessions and workshops, participants shared concrete strategies and stressed that meaningful inclusion requires continuous effort and shared responsibility across the university.
Read more about it in an article by Evelien Flink or on the Leiden Inclusion Blog.
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| Staff nominated students for the ECHO Award 2026 |
Talented students committed to social change can be nominated for the ECHO, Expertise Center Diversity Policy Award 2026. The award recognises bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students who create impact on urgent social issues through leadership, advocacy and community engagement. Eligible candidates include Dutch students with roots in Africa, Latin America or Asia, and international students from underrepresented groups. Three winners will receive a six-week summer course at University of California, Los Angeles (subject to change). Our Internal nominations are in and final candidates will be shared later.
Read more here! |
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Advisory Committee Colonial Past |
On 11 March, students and staff discussed the university’s colonial and slavery-related past and its present-day impact, as part of an ongoing reflection process. Vice-President Timo Kos emphasised the need for continued research and attention, following findings that the university was embedded in colonial networks such as the VOC and WIC. Ongoing work includes provenance research in collections, curriculum review, restitution initiatives, and the renaming of the former Pieter de la Court building to Agora. A new advisory committee with students and staff is being formed to advise on next steps. It is chaired by historian Alicia Schrikker and is still seeking one student member.
Learn more and stay up to date with the progress by consulting this page. |
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Become a “Harrie”: learn how to better support colleagues with additional support needs. |
Are you a staff member and would you like to learn how to properly support a colleague with a disability at work? Then sign up for the Harrie Helpt training. This training prepares “Harries”: buddies who provide on-the-job support to employees with, for example, a physical or mental disability. “Harrie” stands for the qualities of an ideal supporting colleague: Helpful, Alert, Realistic, Calm, Instructive, and Honest. In this interactive two-day training, you will gain practical tools to provide support in a smooth and effective way. The training is intended for managers, HR professionals, lecturers, support staff, and close colleagues who take on a guiding role for employees with additional support needs.
Do you want to contribute to an inclusive workplace and better support your colleagues? The first training round is already full, so make sure to register soon for the Harrie Helpt training in October/November. The training will be in Dutch. |
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| Join our Teams group! A digital D&I community |
Would you like to exchange ideas about Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), stay up to date on developments, collaborate more often, or are you simply curious? Good news: there is now an accessible digital space where you can connect with others who are also interested in D&I. Whether you just read along or post regularly, everyone is welcome.
Join Here! |
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Elections will be held for the University Council, faculty councils, the LUMC Student Council, and several mid-term staff council seats between May 18th and May 21st.
Voting is open to all Leiden University staff working in the relevant units and all students registered on the election date. Co-participation ensures that staff and students can influence decision-making and contribute to better, widely supported outcomes.
Read more here! |
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Community. Conversation. Connection. |
Students and staff discussed the role of protest in universities on 22 April as part of Community. Conversation. Connection. at The Hague, moderated by Pieter Slaman. The session explored how protest relates to academic freedom, the right to education, and the limits of disruption on campus. Participants reflected on recent demonstrations and occupations, discussing the tension between protest as a democratic right and the need to safeguard safety, access to education, and space for dialogue. The discussion highlighted the importance of engaging with differing viewpoints and maintaining open academic debate.
Read the report here. |
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- Follow a D&I training! Explore our training and workshops for you and your team. The programme is aimed at teams or units (not individual enrolment) and focuses on respectful interaction, dialogue, and constructive communication at work. Dates are arranged in consultation. Interested? Contact diversitytraining@bb.leidenuniv.nl to discuss options.
- PopCorner has Moved! POPcorner The Hague has relocated to the Student Pavilion in Wijnhaven (ground floor), Turfmarkt 99, The Hague. The student meeting place offers study skills support, development programmes and advice on student life. Read more here.
- Purple Friday has been moved to October 9th, 2026!
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