Leiden University strike with Teach-Out at The Hague city hall
The strike next Monday will be kicked off with a Teach-Out at The Hague City Hall. Dutch universities are laying down work from Monday, 10 March, in protest against the proposed cuts of over a billion euros to higher education. The relay strike will kick off at 10.00 hrs. at the City Hall with a public lecture by Otto Spijkers, lecturer and researcher at Leiden University College. Education alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer and vice president of Leiden University College Timo Kos will open the Teach-Out. Everyone is welcome to attend the lecture.
Teach-Out by Leiden University and the municipality of The Hague.
The announced cuts in universities and colleges of higher education mean a cut in education and research. According to Leiden University and The Hague City Council, they threaten the future of education and society as a whole. With the broad Teach-Outs, the action committee of Leiden University wants to show solidarity with the entire education sector and pass on knowledge to our society. The municipality of The Hague fears the effects of the cuts on students and the international knowledge climate in The Hague, the city of peace and justice with many international organisations.
Education alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer supports the protest action:
'The billions of cuts to higher education is a thoughtless demolition that affects students, educational institutions and ultimately society. Together with the 'Internationalisation in Balance Act', these cuts are a blow to The Hague as an international student city, city of peace and justice and legal capital of the world. Especially highly educated talent from home and abroad is essential for our economy and the future of the Netherlands. I am proud that the protest action of Leiden University will be kicked off at the city hall.'
Lecture on international maritime law
During the interactive lecture, Otto Spijkers will take the audience into the fascinating world of international maritime law. He explores with municipal officials the definitions, nuances and legal regimes that govern how maritime zones and objects in the sea are defined and regulated. How do you distinguish an island from a rock or a dry land elevation? And what is the difference between a ship, an installation and a floating island?
Otto Spijkers: 'I am concerned about the budget cuts and the critical attitude towards English-language undergraduate education. As a native of The Hague, I know that The Hague has been the international city of peace and justice for decades. With institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court and its many embassies, the city has a strong reputation in international relations. This attracts students from around the world, who want to learn how to address global challenges here. It is crucial that we retain these programmes to continue to play a significant international role in the future.'
Executive Board supports the initiative but university to remain open
The teach-out part of the strike action being taken in Leiden and The Hague on 10 March.
The Executive Board fully supports the initiative and understands that students and staff want to have their voices heard against the planned cuts and erosion of higher education. The university supports the strike but is not closing. In this news article, you can read more information about this.