The New York Times explores a hazing at a prestigious Dutch university: New (10/4/20): a shocking hazing death in Belgium: Sanda Dias at K.U. Leuven
Excerpt from the NY Times: Incredible reporting in this sad story–Moderator Hank Nuwer. But what disgusting members these were at a Catholic university.
“This was not an accident,” said Mr. Dia’s brother, Seydou De Vel.
The details, uncovered recently in a string of local news stories, have forced the nation’s Dutch-speaking region, Flanders, to confront rising racism and xenophobia, even at such renowned universities as this one, the Catholic University of Leuven, now known as K.U. Leuven.
Belgian universities, like their American counterparts, are generally seen as left-leaning. But campuses and clubs here have also reflected and fueled the conservatism of Flanders, where a nationalist movement is increasingly openly racist and anti-immigrant — and growing in power.
“They thought, ‘He’s just some Black guy,’” said Sanda’s father, Ousmane Dia, speaking French. “‘We are powerful and nothing can happen to us.’”