The informal association of professors and associates of the University of Pristina, temporarily based in North Mitrovica, known as Proaktiv, has called on Serbia’s institutions to fully meet the demands of students protesting in blockade and to clearly commit to preserving the education system in predominantly Serbian areas in Kosovo. They have also urged the academic and educational community in Serbia to support their cause.
In its statement, Proaktiv emphasized that Serbia’s education system has been deteriorating and neglected for years by the relevant institutions. They pointed out the complexity of the situation faced by Serbian educational institutions in Kosovo, expressing deep concern about the lack of transparency in political processes that have led to the loss of most Serbian institutions throughout Kosovo.
A Clear Demand for Education to Remain in Serbia’s System
The professors stressed the need to restore dignity to education in Serbia and reaffirm its essential role in society. They expressed support for teachers and students across the country in their fight for better educational conditions.
„We call on Serbia’s institutions to fully meet all the demands of the students in blockade,“ Proaktiv of the University in Mitrovica stated.
Addressing the situation in Kosovo, they also expressed distrust in how Serbian authorities have handled the matter so far.
„Given the lack of transparency in political processes and decisions that have resulted in the loss of Serbian institutions in Kosovo and Metohija (except for educational and healthcare institutions, which also struggle to function), we demand a clear commitment from the authorities that our schools and university will remain part of Serbia’s educational system and receive accreditation from the Republic of Serbia,“ they stated.
A Call for Academic Solidarity
The professors have called on their colleagues across Serbia to show solidarity.
„Due to the unique challenges of our situation, we call on Serbia’s academic and educational community to show understanding and recognize this form of solidarity that we are demonstrating under conditions of insecurity and lack of freedom. We belong to Serbia’s educational community and wish to remain a part of it,“ they said.
Support for Protesting Students
On Thursday, March 6, another “15 Minutes of Silence” event will be held on the main promenade in North Mitrovica. This will mark the seventh gathering in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Novi Sad and in support of students who have been blockading almost all state universities for four months.
The first protest was organized by a local resident, Srđan Đorđević, but since then, students have taken over organizing further gatherings. In some of these events, professors have also expressed their support. The most recent silent protest took place on February 26 at the same location.
In December, four professors publicly supported the students’ movement, followed by another seven launching an online petition, which was signed by 360 professors, assistants, and students at the time.
However, the University administration in North Mitrovica has taken a different stance, consistently expressing support for Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vučić.
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