Statement of the Academy Board for Higher Education

The Academy Board for Higher Education of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts expresses its profound concern and strong disapproval regarding the decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia to establish a new Faculty of Serbian Studies by separating organisational units from the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš. The decision was adopted despite the negative positions of both the Scientific Teaching Assembly and the Council of the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš, and without the consent of the University of Niš Council.

Such a decision is a direct breach of Article 72 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, which guarantees university autonomy and the right of universities to determine their organisation and functioning independently. It is also contrary to Article 6 of the Law on Higher Education and the Accreditation Rules, which do not envisage a transfer of teaching staff, students and accredited programmes without approval from competent bodies of the home institution.

The Board expresses serious concern that this decision by the Government may cause long-term damage to the areas of higher education upon which the quality of scientific research in identity-related disciplines depends. The Board is of the opinion that decisions of such nature must not be subject to political imposition, but to sustained and dedicated academic work.

The Academic Board for Higher Education of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts offers its full support to the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš and invites the Government of the Republic of Serbia to annul the aforementioned decision and, if the Government should desire to strengthen identity sciences, it must do so in cooperation with universities and with full respect for their autonomy.