Protest against austerity on 25 November
On 25 November, students and staff of universities and polytechnic universities will gather in The Hague to protest against the cuts to higher education. The demonstration had previously been scheduled on 14 November but was cancelled at the last minute. The cuts will jeopardise the future of universities and their contribution to Dutch society. Maastricht University fully supports this protest and calls on its staff and students to participate.
Education and research are at stake
The planned cuts threaten the Netherlands’ continued growth and prosperity. Investing in knowledge and innovation is crucial to addressing societal challenges and driving progress. A strong turnout on 25 November sends a message to the government to stop the cuts and recognise the value of science. Only together can we deliver this message loudly and clearly. We therefore hope for a large turnout of UM students and staff. In addition, we are supported by our regional partners (Limburg’s government, healthcare institutions and industry); they also sent an urgent letter pleading the case for higher education and research to minister Bruins from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
Programme
The protest day is organised by the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV), the General Union of Educational Personnel (AOb) and partners such as WOinActie. The programme consists of various components, including a demonstration starting at 13.00 from Malieveld in The Hague.
Practical information for employees and students
Employees wishing to participate during working hours can find more information on UMployee or on the communication channels of their own faculty or service centre.
Students will be informed by their faculty, including through this news release. Students with questions about participating during scheduled teaching hours can contact their faculty.
Join us!
More information can be found on the websites of AOb and FNV (Dutch only).
You can also support the protest by signing this petition. To find out more about UM and the political debate on internationalisation, see the summary page.
Make your voice heard and bring colleagues and fellow students with you!
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