National week of studentprotests has begun
The new reformations of Secretary of State Zijlstra (education) have brought thousands of students together for action this week. The students will be protesting against the long study fine, the more expensive second study, the shortening of the travel rights and the limitation of the supplementary grant. The National Student Union (LSVb) has organized a week of action in cooperation with other student organizations. Thus far no actions are planned in Tilburg.
According to the LSVb, the accessibility of higher education is decreased by the planned measures. Pascal ten Have, president of the LSVb, says: “This action week should make it clear that there have been enough cuts made on students.” Not only students suffer from the cuts in higher education. “This also affects our knowledge-economy. Less people will study, while there is a strong need for more educated people.”
In the actionweek, courses in Scandinavian will be given. According to the LSVb, Scandinavian countries still offer affordable education. The week will end with a manifestation on the Dam in Amsterdam. The LSVb asks everyone to come dressed in black, to show you’re mourning over the future of higher education.”
In an interview with nu.nl, Zijlstra reacts to the harsh measures. He admits a lot of measures have been taken, but: “We are not in the luxury of taking it slow now, the students will have to pay the public debt, but if we don’t do anything now, they will have to pay much more in the end.”
