Campus protests against cuts in education: ‘Educate, not educut!’

‘Our future is not for sale!’ About 250 students and staff formed a powerful protest procession on the campus of Tilburg University this afternoon. Because the education protest in Utrecht has been called off, students and staff made their voices heard on their own campus against the planned education cuts.

‘Due to the cutbacks in higher education, students and staff are welcome to take part in a ‘silent walk-out to the library,’ it sounds from the public address system in all buildings on campus around 12.45h.

In the meantime, more than two hundred people have gathered on the Professor de Moor Square. Banners and red flags emerge from the bags they have brought with them. To be on the safe side, a motorcycle cop is also present. He consults with people from the university’s security, but otherwise keeps a low profile.

We’ll demonstrate, no matter how

‘The walk is about to begin,’ a repeated announcer sounds at ten to one, ‘please join us.’ Then a procession of students, teachers and other staff members sets off towards the walkway at the library.

When asked why the protesters are here, philosophy professor Maureen Sie, who has joined the protesters, replies: ‘We will not be silenced. We are not allowed to demonstrate by the municipality of Utrecht, but we will demonstrate, no matter what. Here, too, we will make ourselves heard. These cuts must be taken off the table. This protest should be the starting point for an even bigger action in The Hague.’

No influence buying

Philosophy students Femke and Neele also assert themselves, while holding a banner: ‘We actually wanted to protest in Utrecht, but when that was cancelled, we decided to do it here. We are only a small university and we are concerned about its survival. The university must not become increasingly dependent on the business community. It should not be the case that companies buy influence through financing.’

‘Our future is not for sale,’ it sounds at one o’clock. By then, an estimated 250 people gathered at the walkway to the library. From the footbridge, a number of spokespersons address the crowd, despite the sometimes malfunctioning megaphones. Co-organizer Lisanne Stone briefly addresses everyone. Wilma de Koning, vice-president of Tilburg University, will also be present.

Don’t do it

‘Don’t do it. Listen to society,’ De Koning addresses the crowd and the Dutch cabinet. ‘Invest in the future of our country. Stop the cuts.’ The crowd under the walkway chants along: ‘Don’t do it… Don’t do it… Don’t do it.’ Meanwhile, a group of students walk behind her across the walkway: ‘What’s this about?’ one of the students asks the other.

Student and chairman of Student Party SAM Max Remmerswaal certainly does know what this demonstration is all about. He is pleased with the turnout ‘in general’ and thinks it is very important that the cuts are taken off the table, for several reasons: ‘Firstly, the quality of education is under pressure. I am also very concerned about the well-being of students. And finally, internationals and English-language programmes are increasingly in a state of uncertainty.’

Think twice

Remmerswaal is also personally concerned about the cutbacks: ‘My master’s is now on the back burner and I am now doing a board year myself. But that long-term study fine makes you think twice. So I’m worried about all the student boards and also about Student Party SAM itself.’

Meanwhile, Thijs Janssen of student union F.U.S.T. is standing on the walkway. With the megaphone in his hand, he also addresses the crowd: ‘Today we are not even allowed to protest. But if anyone knows how hard it is to live on low budgets, it’s a student.’

Education is our right

‘We know that this government is using students and staff as cash cows, but we will fight to the bitter end. If they start pushing back, we push even harder. We need to join forces today until all cuts to education are off the table.’ And he concludes with the slogan: ‘Stand up… Fight… Education is our right…

After the short public action, some of the protesters will go to the Dante building to watch a livestream of WOinActie. Around half past two it is quiet again around the walkway, but the protests about the cuts have not yet died down.

_Advertentie.