Musical protest against proposal to raise tuition for non-European students

Students protested on Thursday afternoon to draw attention to the proposed increase in the tuition fee for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

A bright red banner reading ‘Stop tuition increase’, a drum kit, a guitar and leaflets: around 1pm a small group of students gathered at the Food Plaza. At the start of the protest the guitar wasn’t working. Later, it joined in with the loud drumming. The group was not allowed to hand out leaflets – this was not in the demonstration request.

Most people watched from a distance. Some stopped to ask for more information.

‘Behind the backs of the students’

Joerie Kivits is not pleased with the plans to raise the tuition fee. He is a member of STUUR and the point of contact during the protest. STUUR is a student union that stands up for the challenges students face. Kivits particularly criticises the way the proposal was drawn up. “Decisions of this importance are often made behind the backs of students.”

Leon van Otterdijk, master’s student in Data Science & Marketing Analytics, stopped by out of curiosity. Although he is not from outside the EEA, he has friends who are. They would be hit again by the increase: “We’re about to start our internships. Because they last six months, we won’t be finished after this academic year. The tuition fee was already expensive for them, and it will only be higher next year.”

According to Kivits the increases are unnecessary. “The university doesn’t need the extra revenue. With this protest and with music we want to make this known.” The protest lasted until 4pm.