its origins were in the free university of brussels, a liberal institution, which became the subject of controversy in december 1892 when the anarchist geographer élisée reclus was prevented from teaching. in the aftermath, a number of liberal and socialist members of faculty began to plan for an independent "new" university, eventually created in october 1894. it was libertarian in political outlook, and attracted a significant proportion of international students and faculty members. its degrees were not recognised by the belgian government, and funds remained short.