In Solidarity with the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš: Standing Against the Attack on Academic Autonomy
We stand with the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Niš, our project partner, as it confronts an unlawful government attack that undermines its autonomy by forcibly relocating three departments to a newly created “Faculty of Serbian Studies”
The Faculty of Philosophy in Niš was among the first institutions in Serbia to publicly support students’ peaceful protests against corruption and injustice following the tragedy in Novi Sad. Today, it faces repercussions for this moral courage, which constitutes an attack not only on a single faculty but on the very principle of the university as a space for free thought, critical inquiry, and moral responsibility.
This moment tests all who uphold academic freedom and institutional independence. If such actions go unchallenged, they risk setting a dangerous precedent for societies where political power seeks to silence knowledge, ethics, and dissent. The Faculty is pursuing all legal avenues to defend its integrity, staff, and students, yet international support remains essential.
As a partner institution, we at the seeFField project at the University of Regensburg, together with the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS), support the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš in their ongoing academic struggle. It is precisely for this reason that we publish their Statement, to amplify their voice and stand in solidarity with their defence of law, dignity, and the university as a public good.
Izvor: