The Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement publicly opposes the appointment of new members of the Council of the Faculty of the University of Belgrade by the Government of Serbia.
In accordance with the law, for members of the council before the founder, i.e. of the state, prominent personalities from the fields of science, economy and culture are appointed. Completely contrary to this principle, among the newly appointed members were also persons whose names can only be associated with affairs, criminal charges and public spreading of hatred and intolerance. In our opinion, these are persons without credibility and ethical integrity.
The only criteria for the selection of such persons is obvious party affiliation or previous public support for the ruling party. From such members of the council, one certainly cannot expect a free and independent opinion, but only a direct execution of the orders of the authorities. This decision directly means nothing to the autonomy of the University and continues the process of its humiliation. That process is already clearly taking on the outlines of a planned program for party control over the scientific and higher education institutions of Serbia.
Massa supports all actions of resistance of students and teachers against this decision of the government. We invite colleagues to react and oppose the election of controversial members to the councils of their faculties. The academic community of Serbia must finally find the strength to openly oppose the continuous attempts for complete control over its institutions.
