Five major Amsterdam educational institutions are giving structural support to their internal Pride networks until 2030.
The directors of Hogeschool Inholland, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Hogeschool van Amsterdam and ROC van Amsterdam - Flevoland jointly ratify this by signing the Pride University Manifesto. They will do so on Friday 12 December, in the presence of councillor Touria Meliani. The signing of the manifesto means a strong push for an inclusive educational environment where everyone feels welcome and at home. The signing of the manifesto means a strong impetus for an inclusive educational environment where everyone feels welcome and at home.
On Purple Friday - the day when many schoolchildren and students wear purple in solidarity with the LGBTIAQ+ community - the educational institutions will put their signatures at a location of ROC Amsterdam - Flevoland at the Marineterrein. A place where young people develop solutions to issues from the city. Besides the alderman and the directors of the Amsterdam educational institutions, representatives of the Pride networks and students of the institutions are also present at this festive signing. Especially for the signing of the manifesto, the A'DAM Tower will be coloured purple on Purple Friday.
Equal support for all Pride networks
The institutions have been investing in inclusivity for years. They provide financial and facility support for activities of their Pride networks and support students and staff who are committed to a safe and open community. By signing this manifesto, the institutions are pulling that support together: they all pledge a structural financial contribution, staff commitment and permanent support for the Pride network within their organisations.
Touria Meliani, alderman of the municipality of Amsterdam: "It was more than 20 years ago here in Amsterdam that the first same-sex marriage took place. Although that moment was a long time ago and most start-up students were not yet born then, the fight for equality and inclusion is as relevant today as it was then. It is incredibly important that these five educational institutions join forces to ensure that lhbtiqa+ students and staff feel welcome, at home and safe."
Richard van der Veen, Pride University: "By signing this manifesto, the educational institutions are also showing administratively that they support their queer students and staff. This allows Pride University to mean even more on the campuses and in the city."
The Pride University Manifesto was drafted by Pride University, the collaboration of the institutions' Pride networks. They see the signing as a powerful starting point towards WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam. During this global event, Amsterdam will be the stage for inclusion and emancipation.
Photo: Laurens Nieuwendijk