Stop the budget cuts in Higher Education! /Stop de Bezuinigingen op het Hoger Onderwijs
Education and research are more important than ever!
Our society is in desperate need of well-educated young people to tackle the important and complex challenges of our time. Yet the Schoof government is announcing budget cuts of one billion euros to higher education and science, the largest cuts in decades. These cuts come on top of existing financial pressure, resulting in more overtime, poor working conditions, reduced quality of education, more stress-related illnesses among staff members, and more staff deciding to leave academia.
This will directly affect future scientists, teachers, nurses, and technicians. We cannot stand by and watch as this government promises to address social issues while simultaneously cutting funding for the education and research that are essential to solving them. The “Wet internationalisering in balans” also undermines the scientific quality, impact, and reputation of our institutions. To overcome the housing shortage, the teacher shortage, and other major challenges, we need strong polytechnics, universities, and research institutions.
Therefore we are taking action against these cuts. As social movements made up of students, educational staff, and the wider community, we cannot stand by and watch as our future is being cut.
Sign the petition against these plans!
Why is this important?
The proposed budget cuts will have a major impact on higher education, and the Netherlands will suffer as a result. Essential fields of study and jobs will disappear. The abolishing of starter and incentive grants, as well as the “Fonds voor onderzoek en wetenschap” means that there will be far less time for scientific research, even though much of the Netherlands' prosperity depends on it.
Without professionals, there will be no energy transition, without lawyers no justice system, without historians no vision for the future, and without medical specialists no health care.
Moreover, a penalty of €3,000 per year will be imposed on students who take longer to complete their studies. This makes studying increasingly difficult for young people, especially those who need to work to finance their education. Many students are considering quitting their studies or not starting at all if measures such this penalty for long-term students are implemented. This threatens to further increase inequality in our society.
Higher education affects all of us. Today's students shape the future, so cutting education means cutting all of our futures. That’s why we must all speak up. Whether you are a student, or have studied, or have children who study, or work in (higher) education, now is the time for all of us to stand together. Sign the petition so that your voice is heard!
