In a situation where we are starting another academic year at universities across the country in a virtual environment due to the large number of fellow citizens infected with the new virus COVID-19, the Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement (MASA) with great concern invites all key actors to a joint agreement to ensure safe conditions for the return of classes to amphitheatres and classrooms. We point to the fact that a large number of Serbian citizens are still not effectively protected from the virus, and we are particularly concerned that a large number of students and educators have not yet made the decision to get vaccinated. MASA appeals to all academic citizens to refrain from spreading false and unverified theories. Also, we invite the academic community to start a dialogue in which expert opinions would be heard and all possible doubts and doubts that our students and colleagues have regarding the necessary immunization would be answered.
No matter how well some faculties have organized themselves and managed during the previous 18 months to achieve undoubted progress in teaching in an online environment, we believe that direct contact between teachers and students is irreplaceable and necessary in order not to further derogate the education system and the level of acquired knowledge. our students. Thanks to the availability of vaccines today, it is possible to ensure direct contact between teachers and students and, to the greatest extent possible, avoid online teaching, especially when it comes to practical exercises. That is why MASA welcomes the steps taken independently by individual faculties in this regard, including the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Belgrade.
However, it is necessary that the teaching framework be as uniform as possible at all universities and faculties in Serbia, so that everyone can be sure that we are acting in accordance with the law and that no participant in the educational process will be unfairly harmed. Therefore, it is necessary for the relevant ministry to offer a framework for the actions of universities and faculties, which is in accordance with the current regulations on the protection of the population from infectious diseases, and at the same time does not encroach on the guaranteed autonomy of universities. Our regulations allow the limitation of certain rights in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but in order to remove doubts that have existed in the public since the beginning of the pandemic, it is important to give clear and precise instructions.
Faculties will, of course, play a key role in the implementation of the measures recommended by the relevant ministry in agreement with the universities. We do not expect faculties to take on the role of inspection services, but to ensure, in accordance with their educational function, together with students, that the faculties and the university are a safe place for everyone.
In accordance with the above, MASA also appeals to all political and other actors to refrain from criticizing decisions and actions related to the organization of teaching at faculties in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially from extreme positions, whether they are opponents or advocates of the need for the vaccination of our students. We especially invite the Crisis Staff for the Suppression of the Infectious Disease COVID-19 as the most responsible authority to finally start communicating with the public in a clear and transparent manner. The previous messages sent by that body to the public are confusing and contradictory, and seem calculated to further antagonize the already divided public in Serbia.
MASA appeals to the academic community to unite as soon as possible on the issue of giving priority to direct teaching in the classroom while respecting epidemiological rules and ethics, which means mass vaccination and mass testing. We believe that the basic duty of the academic community is to advocate for the preservation and improvement of the quality of education at all levels, while nurturing the scientific approach and the right of every member of the academic community to critical thinking based on arguments and evidence.
