Leiden University checking student cards more often after threat closed Hague location

Leiden University is checking student cards more often as a precaution. Students must, therefore, always have their card with them when they go to one of the university buildings. “It goes without saying that we do not take this step lightly,” the university said.
“We live in turbulent times,” and that could also lead to unrest in the academic community, the university explained the measure. “Conflicts in other parts of the world can sometimes lead to feelings of fear, unrest, and anger in our country.”

Earlier this month, the university closed its location in The Hague for a weekend for security reasons. That building, on Wijnhaven, is now open again.

Student cards will sometimes be checked at the entrance and sometimes also at other places. The university board wants to keep a “clear picture” of who is present in the buildings.

The campus in The Hague that was temporarily closed focuses on, among other things, international law, peace, and security. The building is usually open all week.

The unrest about the war between Israel and Hamas is impacting educational institutions in the Netherlands. Students at the Cheider Jewish school in Amsterdam received online lessons on Tuesday because the school was worried about incidents.