The University Council (UR) posted a statement (in Dutch) on the intranet Friday. This was in response to a letter from former TU/e ombudsperson Anna Soedira, who left prematurely last year after a breach of trust with the Executive Board. 

In its statement, the UR indicates that it considers “public recognition appropriate” for Soedira’s actions concerning a dismissal case: “Her critical observations and advice in this matter were consistent with the independent exercise of the Ombuds function.”

Should her critical stance towards TU/e have played a role in the assessment of her performance, then “in our view, that recognition also means that she is entitled to rehabilitation on that point,” the council stated.

Reflection

Spokesperson Ivo Jongsma said in a written response that TU/e is working on “a better framework for the role of the Ombudsperson and the procedures surrounding it.” The UR, unions, and external research firm Verinorm are among those involved. In that context, the UR’s statement will be discussed “in confidence” with its authors.

The spokesperson did confirm that, as part of this process, “the various parties will each reflect on their actions in the case (i.e. the dismissal case), including ‘lessons learned.’”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.