21.07.2025, 17:42

Dear supporters of the petition,

Thanks to your contribution, we have successfully concluded the campaign to save the Italian Language and Culture programme at Leiden University. The Faculty Board has decided to reverse its decision to phase out the programme, ensuring that Leiden University will maintain its commitment to research and teaching in this field.

This is, of course, wonderful news for the discipline, our students, and our lecturers. We are happy to share and celebrate this positive outcome with you, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support. It has been deeply encouraging to receive such broad support from colleagues, students, alumni, and sympathizers around the world. The Faculty Board took note of the breadth and strength of this response, and your engagement has made a real difference.

At the same time, we remain committed to supporting Italian programmes elsewhere that are facing similar challenges, and we want to stand in solidarity with our colleagues across the field.

Warm regards,
The Italian Language and Culture teaching staff
Leiden University