- The University
- 04/12/2025
TU/e raises peace flag: “A symbol that unites”
Today, TU/e has raised the peace flag. The new design, blue with a white dove, is the university’s permanent response to the dissatisfaction that emerged around its flag policy. The Executive Board is using this opportunity to organize dialogue sessions about safety within the community.
During the lunch break, at 12:30 PM, around sixty people gather on the lawn next to the Atlas pond. TU/e had invited the entire community to attend the ceremony. Together with two members of the University Council, President of the Executive Board Koen Janssen raises the peace flag. Because of the strong, cold wind, it immediately begins to flutter.
“With this flag, we express our solidarity with all those affected by war, oppression, or violence,” says Janssen. “Both those enduring unimaginable circumstances abroad and those within our own community who are deeply impacted.”
Symbol
TU/e is home to more than eighty nationalities, but there are only four flagpoles available. In recent years, the university’s flag policy has therefore been a frequent topic of discussion. Janssen describes it as a “delicate matter.” “If country A attacks country B, our thoughts naturally go first to the people of country B. But this does not make the members of our community from country A less valued. With that in mind, raising flags of specific countries is problematic. We need symbols that unite, like the peace flag.”
“We recognize that this flag is only a symbol,” Janssen emphasizes. “Members of the community worry about how rising tensions in their home countries are reflected here—on our campus and in our country.” Within the TU/e community, there are groups of students and staff who feel unsafe due to growing international criticism of their home countries. Examples include Israelis, Chinese, and Russians.
Dialogue sessions
To strengthen mutual understanding, the Executive Board wants to organize dialogue sessions with the community. Janssen cannot yet say what form the sessions will take. “We are still searching for the right format, one that aligns with our community,” he says. “If people have ideas, we are happy to include them.” The first sessions are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026.
One student describes raising the flag as “a good step from the university toward being more inclusive.” Others present share similar positive reactions to the new flag. Interviewees say it is a meaningful gesture that shows respect for people from all countries. They hope the upcoming dialogue sessions will lead to more mutual understanding within the community.
Check out the reactions of Koen Janssen and other attendees regarding the peace flag in the new Cursor's Question. The video will be available tomorrow, December 5, on Instagram and the Cursor website.
Peace wishes
After the raising of the flag, a minute of silence is held for everyone affected by war, oppression, or violence. Those present are then invited to write down their wishes for peace. The Executive Board takes the lead. Their wishes, along with those of other members of the TU/e community, will be displayed next week in the WinTU/er Wonderland Village.
Discussion