{"id":166125,"date":"2024-04-05T16:27:05","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T14:27:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=166125"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:27:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T10:27:16","slug":"delft-university-of-technology-discriminated-against-student-with-disability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2024\/04\/05\/delft-university-of-technology-discriminated-against-student-with-disability\/","title":{"rendered":"Delft University of Technology discriminated against student with disability"},"content":{"rendered":"

Delft University of Technology was too slow in granting an extension to a pre-Master\u2019s student with physical and mental disabilities, the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has ruled. The student should have been given more clarity.<\/p>\n

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TU Delft<\/span><\/p>

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Six months before he started his two-year pre-Master\u2019s programme in September 2020, the student had informed the university that he had PTSD, Crohn\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

No guarantees<\/h2>

With no prior guarantees, the student then started the pre-Master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. The university should have taken into account the student\u2019s physical and mental limitations and provided clarity sooner.<\/p>\n

Unlawful discrimination<\/h2>

According to the Institute, Delft University of Technology failed to remove the student\u2019s barriers to participation in a timely manner. As a result, he didn\u2019t get a fair opportunity compared to students without disabilities or chronic illnesses. The university\u2019s actions have therefore led to \u201cunlawful discrimination\u201d, the Institute writes.<\/p>\n\n\t

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