Scholars at Dutch universities, however, have suggested that the traditional image may not be accurate for today. The worry now is that academic freedom is declining in the Netherlands, with accusations against Dutch universities of quelling debate and avoiding difficult or radical conversations.

As noticed by some leaders at these Dutch universities.

As a leader on an academic freedom committee and professor in 2011, some leaders warned that the space for critical voices, researchers, and thinkers is shrinking.

They continue to note that academic freedom should not be viewed simply as an abstract value; instead, it is central to progress, innovation, and democratic life. As noted by them, without university intellectuals willing to discuss and question difficult questions, universities could be said to be failing their role as engines of debate and knowledge.



Growing Criticism from Politicians and Scholars
The discourse on academic freedom has also made its way to the political realm. Some of the most visible criticism has come from a politician named Thierry Baudet, founder of the Forum for Democracy (FvD), Baudet states that controversial debates are no longer welcome at Dutch universities.

To this end, he notes his experience in Ghent in 2023, when an umbrella was thrust striking the speaker in the disagreement.

He notes that this is an example of the organizers' concern about universi.