Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, believes in active tolerance. Tolerance often means that people simply do not bother each other. At Hanze UAS we prefer to view tolerance in a more active, respectful manner. Every student has the right of freedom of speech, expression and religion. This means that students are entitled to express their opinion as well as their faith or cultural beliefs. The university is however also a community where students learn from and respect each other.
A good example of active tolerance at Hanze UAS is the new reflection room next to the Atrium. Originally, a group of Muslims asked for a place to pray inside the university. The university agreed to create a room for them, but they did not want to make it exclusive for Muslims. The room is now a place for all students, religious or non-religious, to use for prayer, contemplation, or just a moment of silence.