UG's response to the announced demonstration on 8 March

The UG considers International Women's Day (8 March) important and valuable and supports the continued attention that it receives. It is an opportunity to pay attention to women's rights acquired worldwide, but also to pay attention to what can be improved. This year's theme is 'One World, A Thousand Women' and focuses on the differences and similarities between women from the Netherlands, but from different cultures.

Demonstration

We have heard about the announced demonstrations on social media, as well as about the demands imposed on the UG concerning a complaint submitted about a UG academic. We would like to provide information about the process regarding this complaint in accordance with our policy.

What is the matter?

In May 2023, Women's Studies International Forum, the academic journal for feminist research, published an article by Dr Ahmadi concerning the MeToo movement in Iran. One of the people mentioned in the article (page 7) filed an official complaint¹ to the UG. This complaint is being processed by the University's Academic Integrity Committee (CWI). On the basis of its findings, the Committee will issue a recommendation to the Board of the University (CvB) and then, the CvB will make a decision. The impression that the UG has asked Dr Ahmadi to retract the article is incorrect. The Board will await the recommendation of the CWI.

Support

The University has a duty of care towards its staff members. In concrete terms, this means that we will also offer support regarding Dr Ahmadi's aforementioned complex case. Ahmadi.

The Faculty of Arts, where Dr Ahmadi is employed, has provided its support through the Cluster Board and her supervisor. She has also been brought into contact with other supporting departments within the University. The Faculty´s Dean has also been of assistance in establishing these contacts.

In addition to the support provided by her trade union, Dr Ahmadi has been offered juridical and safety support for the duration of the research by the Academic Integrity Committee.

Social safety measures

Recently, the four-year plan for social safety was established. The UG is committed to giving this important topic the attention it deserves in order to ensure that everybody can feel safe whilst working and studying within the walls of the UG and nobody feels excluded.

More information about the social safety policy and the associated plans for now and the coming years can be found on My University and the Student Portal.

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¹ If a violation of research integrity is suspected, it is possible to file a complaint. The UG ensures that complaints and the subsequent decisions are handled carefully and in all fairness (in accordance with article 1.7 of the Higher Education and Research Act). The University of Groningen 2020 Complaints Regulation concerning Academic Integrity was established for that purpose and must be followed by the Board. This regulation came into effect on 1 April 2020.