Brussels – A controversy is brewing at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) following the selection of French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan to deliver the conventional speech to graduating law students. Around 50 french intellectuals – including philosophers,filmmakers,and writers – have signed a carte blanche published in La Libre newspaper,expressing their strong opposition to the choice,alleging Hassan praises terrorism and calling on ULB management to veto her appearance.
The intellectuals’ letter describes the decision as “problematic” and a “fatal decision.”
The controversy has also drawn reaction from the Belgian political sphere. Alain Destexhe, a politician known for his right-wing views, publicly criticized the choice on social media, naming the students in the graduating class. Sophie Rohonyi, leader of the Défi party, questioned whether the students were aware that they were honoring an elected official who, according to Rohonyi, “legitimizes the armed action of Hamas and refuses the peaceful solution of two states.”
“ULB law students – from which I have been right to be moved to humanitarian drama in Gaza,” rohonyi stated.
As of now, ULB has not issued an official statement. However, Yvon Englert, the university’s former rector, has spoken out “against this new attempt to cut university independence.”
