Foto van het protest rond de bezuinigingen op onderwijs
Foto van het protest rond de bezuinigingen op onderwijs

National Campaign: Stop the Education Cuts

News item

On Tuesday 9 December at 12:00, a national campaign will take place on Dam Square in Amsterdam to protest against cuts to education. The Executive Board supports the campaign, organised by WOinActie and the trade unions and endorsed by Universities of the Netherlands, and is allowing staff and students the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam.

Although the elections offer a new perspective for higher education, the fight against the cuts is not yet over. That is why we are once again taking action together to underline the importance of higher education and to ensure it is given a prominent place during the coalition negotiations. For the future of our country, for our children, for our wellbeing and our prosperity.

Help the Netherlands

This moment must also be used to highlight the importance of investment in higher education. The knowledge generated in higher education is essential for solving societal challenges, from the housing shortage to grid congestion. According to the CPB, every euro invested in us yields €4.60. We must send that message loudly and clearly on 9 December.

Programme

The programme for the national campaign is as follows:

12:00 -  Reception
12:30 - Stage programme
13:15 - End of stage programme
13:30 - Start of march
15:30 - End of programme

Practical information

As with all previous protests against the education cuts, Radboud University is facilitating student and staff participation. The following points are important:

  • For students, attendance is not compulsory on 9 December, except for exams, patient care and compulsory practicals that cannot be postponed or rescheduled (students may enquire with their lecturer).
  • If students are absent, they must report this to their lecturers in advance.
  • Making up any missed material is the student's responsibility.
  • Staff who wish to take part in the demonstration should coordinate this with their supervisor. Supervisors will be accommodating. Staff do not need to take a day off or special leave. Those who nevertheless wish to register something may use: “special leave”.
  • Lecturers who participate in the demonstration must ensure that all required material is still covered during the course period.
  • Scheduled assessments will go ahead. Any staff member who would therefore be unable to take part in the action should seek a solution in consultation with their supervisor.
  • Staff and students must arrange their own transport to Amsterdam. Travel expenses will not be reimbursed.
    • The unions are providing buses to travel to the protest on Dam Square. Register via this form.