Regarding the decision of the Senate of the University of Belgrade not to grant the title of emeritus to the only academician, Professor Dušan Teodorović, the Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement (MASA) expresses concern that non-academic criteria played a decisive role in the voting of members of the Senate, and that the non-election of Professor Teodorović solely contributed to his public speaking and socio-political engagement. As five respected professors were proposed for the title of professor emeritus at the University of Belgrade, and all five of them met the requirements by the expert committee formed by the Senate, the Senate's final decision not to grant the title of emeritus to only academician Professor Dušan Teodorović leaves the impression that in his case ruled by non-academic criteria. In order to eliminate doubts about the political impartiality of the current convocation of the Senate and preserve the reputation of the University of Belgrade, MASA believes that the members of the Senate should issue an explanation of this controversial decision as soon as possible. We remind you that, in addition to making an undoubted contribution to science at the domestic and international level, being a professor emeritus at a university in the USA where he also taught as an academician of SANU, Professor Teodorović was also vice-rector for science at the University of Belgrade. Although the argumentation of the decision of the Senate during the election of professor emeritus is not binding according to the existing regulations, we believe that it is important for the prestige and reputation of the University of Belgrade to state the argumentation and make it known to the public. Also, in order to prevent potential irregularities in the future, we believe that it is important that this practice be introduced into the existing regulations and that giving arguments, for opposing or refraining from supporting professors who meet all the formal conditions for awarding the title, becomes binding when voting.
