NSV! suspended as a recognised student association at Ghent University for six months

What does this decision entail?

The Nationalist Student Association (NSV!) is a student association within the Political and Philosophical Convention (PFK) of Ghent University. As a result of the suspension, NSV! loses all its rights as a recognised student association for six months. Consequently, the student association in question will no longer receive any subsidies for six months and will not be allowed to use Ghent University's buildings free of charge for activities during this period.

Why was this decision taken?

In the spring of 2025, a reasoned proposal was submitted to the university board on the basis of Article 3 to exclude the Nationalist Student Association (NSV!) as a recognised student association. Article 3 stipulates the values that recognised student associations must respect and relates, among other things, to discriminatory and transgressive behaviour.

At its meeting on 2 July 2025, the Social Council gave a positive recommendation on the reasoned proposal to exclude NSV! In accordance with Ghent University regulations, the final decision then rested with the Ghent University Executive Board, which decided at its meeting on 7 July 2025 to hear NSV! This hearing took place on 12 September 2025, after which the board members decided to suspend NSV! as a recognised student association for six months.

What exactly does Article 3 of the Regulations on Student Associations say?

Article 3 of the Regulations on Student Associations stipulates the following:

Values

• 1. Student associations that act in contravention of the democratic principles and fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), anti-discrimination legislation, criminal law and other applicable legislation, incite such actions or aim to contribute to their legitimisation, cannot be recognised.
• 2. Recognised student associations must always show respect for human integrity (physical and psychological integrity), personal dignity and privacy (cf. the Generic Code of Conduct for the processing of personal data and confidential information at Ghent University). No form of inappropriate behaviour is permitted. Recognised associations must act in accordance with Ghent University's non-discrimination statement and Ghent University's code of conduct on inappropriate behaviour. Recognised student associations are obliged to commit to the Ghent initiation decree (cf. the website of the City of Ghent, subject to annual amendments: Studentenverenigingen | Stad Gent) and to the Flemish framework for initiation and other student activities (https://onderwijs.vlaanderen.be/nl/studenten/studentenorganisaties/vlaamsdoopkader).