For me, access to education is a fundamental right, but not everyone has the same opportunities to benefit from it. Privilege plays an important role in this. I come from a stable family with sufficient financial resources, which gives me the opportunity to participate in the University Student Council for a year. For me, extracurricular activities such as student councils, a board year and honours programs are of great value for personal and academic development. However, I also see that the current and proposed budget cuts threaten these opportunities.
One of the biggest threats to the accessibility of education is the budget cuts at universities. These will impact the courses offered, reduce student guidance, or, in the worst case, lead to the discontinuation of entire programs. As a result, we seem to be losing sight of what is truly important from a societal perspective.
On top of this comes the long-term study penalty (langstudeerboete). This measure, intended to motivate students to finish their studies within the nominal duration, punishes those who are already facing obstacles. Students with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or part-time jobs to make ends meet often have no choice but to delay their studies. For them, this penalty increases financial pressure and reduces their access to education. For first-generation students, it can also result in a decreased likelihood of pursuing higher education.
For me, being a student is much more than attending lectures, studying, and going to exams. Being a student also means going out with friends even if you have an early class the next day, procrastinating on that one essay until the last moment, or finally reading a book for leisure after an exam. But thanks to all the new measures, pressure is being placed on these inherent aspects of student life.
I am concerned that the gap is growing between students who benefit from privilege and those who have to manage without financial or social buffers. Studying is becoming increasingly something for people from wealthy families, and this is not only socially detrimental—since we are no longer focusing on developing people with the best potential—but it also feels unjust.
In the coming years, significant cuts are planned for VU. I strive this year to advocate for policies that are not only focused on reducing costs but also on equal opportunities. Investing in education is investing in a better future for all of us.