The departure of Faculty of Arts Dean Paula Fikkert continues to stir strong emotions. “Paula’s concern is also our concern, and we call on the Executive Board not to ignore this important signal,” staff members of the Faculty of Arts write in an open letter to the Executive Board.

An open letter to the Executive Board regarding the departure of Faculty of Arts Dean Paula Fikkert was signed within a short period of time by 267 colleagues from all sections of the Faculty of Arts.

The colleagues say they will miss Fikkert greatly and thank her for “her exemplary leadership over the past years”. They also express concern about “the second reason Paula cites for her decision”.

“We too feel that the direction in which the university is moving is primarily determined by consultants and excessive managerial considerations. We, too, regret that care for people and the human dimension is too little visible in the current policy and in the future plans for our academic community. Paula’s concern is also our concern, and we call on the Executive Board not to ignore this important signal.”

The names of the 267 signatories can be found here. No additional names can be added.