The Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, as a member of the University of Belgrade, strongly supports students in their initial demands, which they put forward as self-aware and academically engaged citizens, particularly emphasizing their readiness to respond to events of public and social significance. In their previous public addresses and statements, students have clearly expressed their concerns about the state of society, as well as the conditions for professional engagement in the fields for which they are being educated.
The University stands in defense of students and colleagues who are facing unacceptable media insults, physical attacks, and threats, as well as inadmissible rhetoric directed at the academic community. We condemn any actions by those who provoke violent
reactions from students, associates, and faculty members, while also strongly supporting the ways in which the integrity of the academic community is preserved.
We issue a public appeal to all political actors and media to refrain from using student gatherings to achieve their own goals, to respect the autonomy of the University, and to uphold students’ right to express their views.
Faculty administrations will not sanction students who, through their protests, uphold the integrity of the academic community, particularly critical thinking and student activism as vital parts of our society. We expect students not to disrupt the administrative operations of the Rectorate and all University members.
After ten days of the Rectorate blockade and a series of subsequent faculty blockades, we demand urgent action from the relevant authorities to fulfill the students’ initial demands.