VU Amsterdam is committed to fostering a learning and working environment in which social safety is a core value—enabling students, staff, and PhD candidates to develop and excel. To that end, we work together to build an open and inclusive culture, one that welcomes diverse perspectives. By speaking up, listening to one another, and actively contributing to mutual understanding, we ensure that there is no place for (cyber)bullying, stalking, doxxing, discrimination, (sexual) harassment, intimidation, aggression, or violence.
Diverse perspectives
Fundamental values such as respect, equality, and tolerance underpin our standards of interaction, which are enshrined in documents such as the Core values and the Code of Conduct of VU Amsterdam. Understandably, individuals may interpret and apply these values differently—shaped by their generation, culture, life experience, or personal circumstances. As a result, people may hold different views on what constitutes (in)appropriate or (un)welcome behaviour, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, conflict, or unintended offence.
Space for open dialogue
At VU Amsterdam, a socially safe environment is one in which students, staff, and PhD candidates feel free and supported to raise concerns and engage in open dialogue about interpersonal conduct. That is why we encourage one another to discuss incidents at an early stage. This requires mutual respect, as well as the willingness and ability to engage in uncomfortable or challenging conversations. In this way, our community can continue to grow and evolve in a climate of trust and inclusion.
Managing risk factors
The organisational structure of universities—characterised in part by hierarchical relationships and power dependencies—can pose risks to social safety. By recognising, acknowledging, and actively addressing these risk factors, VU Amsterdam aims to ensure they do not stand in the way of creating a socially safe environment.
An effective reporting and complaints system
If students, staff, or PhD candidates are confronted with inappropriate behaviour and experience barriers to resolve the issue, it is vital that they know where to turn within the university for support, information, and guidance. That is why VU Amsterdam has established a clear and effective system for reporting concerns and filing complaints.