Educators: Minister accused us of being 'blockaders' and supporting 'anarchy'

Belgrade, Serbia – A recent public discussion on proposed amendments to Serbia's Law on the Foundations of the Education System was criticized by educators as being more of a closed professional meeting than a genuine public forum.

Ana Dimitrijević, president of the Forum of Belgrade Gymnasiums, told N1 that the event lacked transparency, with media being denied entry and many colleagues being rejected via email. She described the atmosphere as tense, noting that attendees were asked to leave their phones outside, leading to a compromise where phones were placed in a box visible to their owners.

Dimitrijević characterized the gathering as a "professional meeting of a closed type." She relayed that Minister of Education Dejan Vuk Stanković suggested it was the first in a series of discussions intended for a professional audience. Dimitrijević questioned the designation of the event as a "public discussion," especially since the draft amendments were only posted two days prior, and many learned about it through media and networks, prompting the organization of the meeting.

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There were accusations that we are blockaders and that we support anarchy in schools; the minister told me that personally.

During the discussion, Dimitrijević reported that ministry explanations for the amendments were softened, with officials attempting to be cordial. However, she stated, "There were accusations that we are blockaders and that we support anarchy in schools; the minister told me that personally."

She further explained that educators found the attempt to steer the conversation toward a casual tone inappropriate, given the core issues. Dimitrijević argued that the essence of the amendments is not to increase school efficiency or autonomy but rather to restrict the powers and opportunities for teachers, students, and parents. She expressed concern that the vaguely defined provisions, particularly regarding license revocation, could be easily manipulated.

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This was more of a professional meeting of a closed type.