Technical University Gives Notice to Academics on YÖK’s Order

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Upon order from Higher Education Council (YÖK) İstanbul Technical University (İTÜ) has launched a pre-inspection into the academics who have signed the declaration entitled “We will not be a party to this crime”. A written statement has been demanded from the academics.

To reason the notice sent to 30 academic members by the legal department following text sent by YÖK to all universities has been put forward;

“A group of academic members have characterized the battle against terrorism ongoing in our country as a massacre and bloodshed. We request to take necessary action concerning the academic members of your university who have signed the declaration and to inform our ministry in this respect”.  

Within the pre-inspection, the academics have been notified about having noticed that they have signed the declaration and have been invited to submit a written statement within 15 days regarding the matter.

The text in question had been sent to the universities with the signature of YÖK President Yekta Saraç on January 13.

Prof. Dr. Yaman speaking to bianet had noted that the text did not include any information regarding the content of the “necessary action” or any instructions on what grounds actions would be taken and had pointed out that the text had no legal basis. (BK/DG)