Rectors and university presidents within the European university alliance Circle U. i Student Circle U. union (CUSU) said they stand in solidarity with students, staff and management University in Belgrade, who is one of the founders of that European University Alliance.
"As partners who work closely with the University of Belgrade, we cannot remain silent while the autonomy and independence of one of our members is under pressure. When academic freedom in one country is threatened, the integrity of the European academic community as a whole is undermined," the press release reads.
They called the authorities in Serbia to immediately stop all forms of intimidation of students, employees and management of the University, European institutions and governments of European countries to react decisively and unequivocally to these events, and the international academic community to express solidarity with the University of Belgrade, as well as with the wider academic community in Serbia.
"The chancellors and presidents of the universities within the Circle U. and CUSU alliance firmly stand by the students, professors, researchers, administrative staff and management of the University of Belgrade. We will continue to carefully monitor the development of events and cooperate with the University in order to find concrete ways for further support," they said.
Photo: Iva TanackovićRector Đokić's speech from the terrace of the Rectorate
They added that they express deep concern over events that threaten institutional autonomy, academic freedom, the rule of law and democratic principles.
"We are committed to the obligations assumed by signing the Magna Charta Universitatum, which preserves the freedom of research and the autonomy of universities as fundamental pillars of democratic societies. Our Alliance is guided by these principles and they represent the backbone of the mission and vision for Circle U," the statement said.
The European Union is a co-founder of the CUSU academic network.
Source: Beta
