We’re too busy, there are too many world problems, and don’t forget about this week’s deadlines for the bachelor’s final project (BEP) and next week’s exams. That is the general sentiment when Cursor asks students on their break why they have not joined the demonstrators on the lawn.

On Monday, the Executive Board decided to cut ties with the Israeli university Technion. Still, University Rebellion (UR) and Eindhoven Students4Palestine (ES4P) are taking action this week to draw attention to their statement calling for an end to all ties between TU/e and Israeli universities and companies. The lawn is dotted with party tents and a dome tent, with banners and posters hung around the area. The activists are offering various workshops this week.

 “It’s also about TU/e’s ties to the fossil fuel industry, which is why we’re staying here. Climate issues need attention as well,” says Mara Liebregts, a member of University Rebellion.

Break

“This is my break and I’d rather relax for a bit than deal with heavy topics right now,” says a student sitting by the pond. She is with a group of ME and ID students who are all under a lot of academic pressure this week. “We support climate action, reducing fossil fuel use, and ending the war in Gaza,” they say. “Cutting ties seems like the right move, but when it comes to the fossil fuel industry, we have a more nuanced view. We feel that cutting all ties is too extreme.” Another reason they are not joining the activists is that they would rather not be associated with University Rebellion or “people who glue themselves to highways”.