In a chaotic scene on Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025, the graduation stunt at the Oostvaarders College in Almere Buiten spiraled out of control, prompting police intervention. This incident marked the fifth graduation stunt-related disturbance in the Netherlands within just 48 hours.
Initially intended as a light-hearted celebration, the event featured a confetti cannon and a foam cannon, which had been planned in coordination with the school administration. However, the atmosphere quickly soured when students from lower grades began to interfere, leading to widespread chaos.
According to a spokesperson for the Almeerse Scholen Groep (ASG), “In good coordination with the school, there was an activity with confetti inside and outside, and a foam cannon – a harmless way to celebrate. Unfortunately, students not in graduation classes saw this as an opportunity to cause other forms of nuisance.” Eyewitnesses reported that trash cans were thrown into the air, doors were kicked in, and even a person rode a fatbike into the school premises.
As the situation escalated, with hundreds of young people gathering around the school, multiple fights broke out and vandalism occurred. Police were pelted with confetti cannons, and officers were forced to use batons to restore order. Around 1:45 PM, the police cleared the schoolyard, and three students were arrested for insulting officials and disobeying police orders.
The police response was significant, with approximately ten police cars and around twenty officers dispatched to the scene, including a dog handler. Reports indicate that one police officer sustained injuries during the intervention.
This incident was not isolated. Earlier on the same day, police had to intervene at the Rudolf Steiner College in Rotterdam, where students threw fireworks and attempted to kick in doors. Officers responded with batons, resulting in one arrest for disorderly conduct.
Additionally, in Wijk en Aalburg, fireworks were set off during another graduation stunt, leading to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy who was found with a possible explosive device in his backpack.
The previous day, on April 15, 2025, a minor in Elburg turned himself in to the police for setting a car on fire during a graduation stunt. A police spokesperson described the situation as dangerous, stating, “Because the school doors were barricaded with large straw bales, there was a hazardous situation.”
Also on April 15, police arrested five minors in Almelo, who were part of a larger group of around eighty to one hundred youths causing vandalism and setting off heavy fireworks outside a school.
The ASG expressed regret over the events at the Oostvaarders College, emphasizing that the planned stunt had been discussed in advance and should not have led to such disturbances. Following the incident, the atmosphere around the school has reportedly returned to normal.
As graduation season approaches, authorities are urging schools and students to celebrate responsibly, stressing the importance of safety and respect for community standards. The recent spate of disturbances serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when celebratory activities spiral out of control.
In light of these events, local officials are considering measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Community leaders are calling for increased communication between schools and law enforcement to ensure that graduation celebrations remain safe and enjoyable for all.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on restoring a sense of safety and order, while also allowing students to celebrate their achievements in a manner that reflects the spirit of their hard work and dedication.
