KU Leuven brings back the K in new mission statement
After distancing itself from the Catholic church three years ago, the University of Leuven has reconnected with its roots
Renewed vision
In 2011, at the height of the scandal of sexual abuse of children by priests, in which the bishop of Bruges admitted abusing his nephew over a period of years, the university decided to change its name from the Catholic University of Leuven to simply the University of Leuven, while still using the moniker “KU Leuven”. The “K” refers to Katholiek.
Then-rector Marc Waer said at the time that the reports of abuse were not the reason for the rethink, but did “provide an opportunity for discussion”. The name, he said, “gave the impression that the institution was connected formally with the church. We wanted to make the nuances clear. We’re not denying our roots in the Catholic tradition; we just want to be more open to other points of view.”
However, in a mission statement approved by the university governing council this week, the connection has been re-established. The text states clearly that the Christian narrative is the “privileged starting point and touchstone of humanity and meaningfulness,” while stressing that “different religions and belief systems are invited to join in dialogue”.
“Each of the university associations has a particular philosophical colour,” explained vice-rector Tidier Pollefeyt, co-author of the new mission statement. “The VUB is openly free-thinking, the University of Ghent is neutral, and the University of Antwerp is actively pluralist. The University of Leuven had always referred back to Catholicism. It was time to renew our vision, while placing it in a contemporary context.”
The university encompasses not only the various campuses in Leuven but also higher education institutions in Limburg and West Flanders, as well as spin-offs like engineering academy Groep T, making a total of 102,000 students, or 43% of all students in tertiary education in Flanders.
“We are taking back the K in the broadest sense of the word,” Pollefeyt said. “Not everyone has to adopt the same position. … we remain open to anyone who holds a different philosophical position.”
Photo: The traditional opening of the academic year begins with a Mass in Sint-Pieters Church in Leuven.
©Rob Stevens/KU Leuven
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