Student association Vindicat in Groningen regularly makes the news. Not always positive to say the least.
Reports of geese being kept in a student house, a swastika on the wall and beer throwing from the balcony led to horror and annoyance. The municipality of Groningen is struggling with the question of what it can do to tackle misconduct, but even better how it can be prevented.
Addressing behavior is not enough with ever-changing student groups. The board of Vindicat does not shy away from the conversation, but it is impossible to keep the entire corps under control 24/7. If things get out of hand, the municipality wants to be able to act as a licensing authority in the event of abuses. That is why it will soon be examined whether the current measures that can be taken are sufficient.
This concerns agreements and measures following incidents at events and in catering establishments, but also nuisance in student residences. The question is also whether the municipality legally has enough stripes on its sleeve to take really hard measures such as closure. Just as important is the question of how the municipality (read: also political parties) responds to incidents. Quite apart from what goes around on social media, municipal politics also set the tone.
It is recommended to call the animal by its name in case of misconduct, but not to add fuel to the fire in political discussions. This, for example, by repeatedly emphasizing the distinction between students and ‘ordinary Stadjers’ who are fed up with student behaviour. It is better to consider the impact that students have on the city in its entirety.
The latest incidents involving Vindicat students led to new death threats and intimidation. Recently, two board members of Vindicat were attacked when they closed the Sociëteitsgebouw. In this escalation, it cannot be emphasized often enough that words matter in discussions about sensitive issues.