The action group is pulling out all the stops these days. It seems that there is less enthusiasm to take action compared to the previously planned protest in Utrecht, which was canceled on November 14. Kristy Claassen, one of the founders of the protest group, also notices this. 'It's quieter on campus. It is also a busy time for students and staff at the moment. Maybe the momentum for this protest will also drain away a bit, but I sincerely hope that Twente surprises us. If everyone takes a rest this weekend, I hope they will be ready to protest in The Hague on Monday.'
In any case, Claassen herself remains enthusiastic and optimistic about the turnout. 'I expect more UT people to come along than the number we saw on the O&O square last Thursday. Nationally, I hope for a turnout of ten thousand people. To call people again for this protest, we are handing out flyers and pamphlets, among other things. My biggest concern at the moment is arranging two buses. This number is the same as last week. The Student Union has been hit hard after the cancellation of the protest. This makes us dependent on crowdfuding. We are now receiving a lot of support and hope for more donations. I get messages from students who can only go to The Hague when a bus is ready. With the amount raised, we are still trying to arrange those two buses, but it is still uncertain whether it will work. We'll try to have more clarity on Friday evening.'
Brave
Nevertheless, the Twente for Protest group is happy that the demonstration is taking place in The Hague. They saw last week's meeting on the UT grounds as a dress rehearsal. 'In The Hague are the people we should be with. The government is breaking down education. Everyone saw our banner with the wrecking ball. That's also how the reality is.' Despite the fact that Claassen is combative, she finds the chosen day striking. 'Monday is a crazy day to demonstrate. I hadn't chosen that. This is probably a decision of the municipality of The Hague. In any case, last Thursday was a training for everyone, because all our banners, signs, rehearsed songs and microphones are ready. Now I hope everyone is brave enough to go to the Malieveld.'
Program and guidelines
What the exact programme will look like on Monday 25 November is not yet clear. In the run-up to the protest day, the UT has drawn up a number of guidelines for students and staff. These regulations are in line with the guidelines that applied before last week's protest.
Guidelines for employees
- Employees who want to participate do not have to take a day off. This falls under special leave.
- Employees who want to participate in the protest action seek coordination with their manager. It may be that there are weighty arguments that make their presence at the university necessary.
- The UT does not reimburse travel expenses.
- Teachers ensure that students receive all material within the duration of a course;
- Scheduled exams will continue. An employee who would not be able to participate as a result of this, looks for a solution in consultation with the manager;
Guidelines for students
- Scheduled exams will continue.
- Students are not required to attend on 25 November (except for patient care and compulsory practicals that cannot be rescheduled);
- Making up missed material is the student's responsibility.
