HvA takes down magazine issues over topless woman on cover

The editorial board of student magazine Folia wants a meeting with the board of the Amsterdam University of Applied Science, known locally as the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), over the institution's decision to block distribution of the latest magazine issue because it depicts students with bare breasts, the Volkskrant reports. A number of faculties at the university removed this issue on Saturday during an open day for prospective students. They feared that the bare breasts on the cover would distract or offend the school students while they were there to make an important decision. Students protested this decision by going bare breasted and handing out issues during the information day. The issue portrayed a feminist activist group of University of Amsterdam students. They want to start a discussion about the taboo on bare breasts. "By removing the magazine HvA gives the impression that this debate should not be held" the Folia editors wrote in an open letter. "This is contrary to the principles of higher education, in which freedom of speech, debate and criticism are obvious and essential elements." They want to know what journalistic independence and press freedom means to the university if it censors the Fola like this. Before the start of the information day on Saturday, Dean Jean Tillie told the Volkskrant that removing the issue was by no means censorship. "That would be the case if I banned the entire edition. On Saturday at 16:00, when the information day is over, the magazines will be back in place." Tillie said. "The students come here to make a very important decision. In that context, bare breasts lying around does not fit."

Actievoerder deelt Folia-edities uit bij open dag HvA. pic.twitter.com/BH3u3cTo2u

— Folia (@Folia) March 12, 2016