Delft University of Technology discriminated against student with disability

Delft University of Technology was too slow in granting an extension to a pre-Master’s student with physical and mental disabilities, the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has ruled. The student should have been given more clarity.

Six months before he started his two-year pre-Master’s programme in September 2020, the student had informed the university that he had PTSD, Crohn’s disease, ADD and dyslexia. When he asked whether he could therefore take longer over the Delft premaster, TU Delft replied that the study should be completed within two years. Should the load capacity deteriorate, another extension of up to one year would be possible.

No guarantees

With no prior guarantees, the student then started the pre-Master’s programme. After two months, he took a break due to burnout symptoms. In an email to the university, he explained that he was unable to find peace of mind because there were no clear agreements, even though he needed clarity precisely because of his limitations.

Six months later, after the student had engaged a lawyer, the university decided to grant a conditional extension. Too late, the Institute argues in its decision. The university should have taken into account the student’s physical and mental limitations and provided clarity sooner.

Unlawful discrimination

According to the Institute, Delft University of Technology failed to remove the student’s barriers to participation in a timely manner. As a result, he didn’t get a fair opportunity compared to students without disabilities or chronic illnesses. The university’s actions have therefore led to “unlawful discrimination”, the Institute writes.