It is a tricky and delicate balancing act between a secular university and the self-organization of students based on religion or ideology. The fact that some secular student associations are also not always free from a bit of exclusivity, does not make the discussion any easier for a university on how to operate here. 

Ichthus is now located in a beautiful building on the Dommelstraat, which just goes to show that if you challenge people, they can get a lot done themselves. It is striking that since the departure of Ichthus, there has been more and more religion on campus (Ichthus herself was actually quite invisible). In the meantime, there are for example prayer rooms and all kinds of activities of so-called "general social interest" such as a recent lecture on why the hijab is a duty, honor and means to success. 

Also, more and more ideologies bordering on religion are flourishing at TU/e. During the introduction week, political parties are allowed to propagate their ideology and win souls, and during election time, political posters can regularly be found on doors and windows. Hip science ideology is on the rise and is being spread through Open Science masses and self-proclaimed DIE preachers. Unfortunately, innate characteristics are also increasingly a guideline for community building or setting up policy. Warm greetings from the 50s. 

Giving meaning to life is of all times. However, despite intentions potentially being good, organized religion and institutionalized political and fact-free ideology have no place in a university. A university is a place where you should be able to develop yourself independently and free of an ideological straitjacket. The need for a mystical framework or activism can easily be met by activities outside the university. 

Luc Brunsveld is a Professor Chemical Biology at TU/e. The views expressed in this column are his own.