Petition by 1,169 academics, 40 institutions for Boğaziçi University

* Photo: Boğaziçi University academics

Click to read the article in Turkish

1,169 faculty members and 40 academic institutions from all over the world have signed a petition denouncing and condemning the intensifying attacks on Boğaziçi University, where the protests against the appointed rectors have been ongoing since January 2021.

Among the most renowned signatories of the petition are Etienne Balibar, Judith Butler, Seyla Benhabib, David Harvey, Nancy Fraser and Noam Chomsky as well as numerous associations and unions.

CLICK - Over 1,000 academics, institutions express support for Boğaziçi University resistance

In their petition, the academics and institutions have expressed the following points and made the below demands:

"We, the undersigned, condemn the intensifying attacks on Boğaziçi University, and stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, and alumni who have waged an inspiring struggle for the principles of institutional autonomy, academic freedom and democratic governance," the undersigned academics and institutions have said and listed the following demands:

"We demand:

• the reinstitution of electoral procedures to fill major administrative positions at the university, including the position of Rector, Dean and Head of Institute,
• the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed staff,
• an end to the legal harassment of Boğaziçi staff and students,
• the lifting of all restrictions on student and academic activities,
• a return to democratic governance principles that made Bogazici a center of excellence and allowed faculty and students control over administrative decisions, academic programs, teaching, extra-curricular activities and university property.

"We also urge President Erdogan to desist from his interference in administration and governance of higher education institutions in Turkey and to respect their constitutional autonomy".

Click here for all signatories

(RT/SD)