Action June 10 in Amsterdam is postponed

On Tuesday 10 June, there will be another nationwide protest against the cabinet's cuts to higher education. We call on students and staff to join together to send a strong message on Dam Square in Amsterdam. Previous actions have had an effect: the planned cuts for 2025 have unfortunately not been taken off the table, but they have been toned down. As university leadership, we will continue to work - visibly and behind the scenes - for change.

"The planned cuts to higher education are putting pressure on the future of the Netherlands" said Margot van der Starre, vice-president. "Investing in science and innovation is vital to enable social change. Those who cut back on knowledge inhibit progress. At Utrecht University, we already have to make do with 35 million euros less this year, and in the coming years this may even rise to 70 to 80 million euros. The fact that the PVV has left the coalition does not change this. Even a fall of the cabinet would not change the financial picture for this year. It makes our lobby to get the cuts for the years after this off the table as important as ever, and possibly more promising."

Strengthen the message!

"Because we are already feeling the impact of the cuts," Van der Starre continued. "Because we are, for example, no longer filling every vacancy, further limiting international travel and reducing and downsizing our real estate portfolio. It is quite understandable that colleagues and students are worried about this government policy, we as university administration are too."

"A large turnout on 10 June in Amsterdam helps reinforce our message to the cabinet: stop the cuts and choose the value of science. Education is not a cost but an investment in our future. Together, we can send a clear message: the planned cuts for after 2025 must be off the table! That is why I will also be at Dam Square on 10 June together with Anton, Wilco and Niels. Because I hope we can convince the cabinet to change their course."

Registration and programme

The protest day is an initiative of the education union AOb , union FNV, WO in Actie, student unions and several other action groups, among others. On 10 June, the NS will also strike in parts of the country. For more information on the programme and how best to travel to Amsterdam, check the organisers' website. You can also support the action by liking and sharing this LinkedIn message from our Rector, Wilco Hazeleger.

Demonstrating during work or teaching time

For those who have questions about participating during working and/or teaching time: a guideline has been prepared on demonstrations and strikes, which also applies to this day. Utrecht University's starting point is that essential activities such as orations, PhDs and exams can go ahead.

"We understand that this raises the question among some colleagues as to how this then relates to the call to protest with us as the university administration on 10 June," said Margot van der Starre "We are asking employees to check with their colleagues and supervisor what essential activities will take place within their team on 10 June, and to coordinate with each other who will take care of those activities and who will join the protest. That way, we ensure maximum impact in The Hague, with minimal (negative) consequences for students, for example." In the handbook, you can also read more about students' duty of attendance (e.g. at exams).
Check out the guideline on demonstrations in advance if you plan to participate.