Insufficient room for debate and development

Not enough room for debate at universities

It has been enshrined in law since 1960: universities and colleges of higher education “shall also pay attention to personal development and the promotion of a sense of social responsibility”. Many institutions do feel strongly about themes such as sustainability, diversity and equal opportunities, the Education Inspectorate writes, and organise activities around them. But only half of the students feel encouraged to participate, according to a survey by the Inspectorate.
 

^{(Photo: Dalia Madi)}

A good ‘institutional climate’, as the Inspectorate calls it, also includes a flourishing employee participation body. But interest in this has been waning for years. Add to that the fact that social safety within institutions sometimes leaves much to be desired. All in all, the Inspectorate doubts whether higher education is indeed a place where everyone learns to express their opinions freely. The Inspectorate wants to get a “sharper picture” of the institutional climate and has announced a follow-up study. (HOP, Hein Cuppen)