Protesting lecturers, Univ. Amsterdam still in talks

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) and a group of protesting lecturers, Rethink UvA, are still discussing the lecturers' demands, De Telegraaf reports. The UvA will give a response to the demands for more democracy early this week. Meanwhile employees of the law faculty also decided to join the protest. Rethink UvA stated that the law faculty also has a lack of participation, democracy and transparency. The law students will draft their demands this week. A spokesperson for Rethink UvA stated that they will have an internal meeting at 16:00 this afternoon. The lecturers are also taking part in the occupation of the Maagdenhuis, where students have been protesting against the current administration and policy of the UvA. Rethink UvA's demands include more democracy in the university, restoration of trust and an independent investigation into the current financial situation. Students' union ASVA, which has about 2,800 Amsterdam students as members, are angry that the Executive Board of the University of Amsterdam hasn't given a response to these demands yet. "It is exactly the administrative arrogance that we are tired of", said ASVA chairman Nuri van den Berg. "The board is not able to listen to students, but apparently not to lecturers either." On Friday the Executive Board asked Rethink UvA for more time to come up with a comprehensive answer to their demands.