Equality Commissioner to Address Gymnasium Discrimination Complaint

Serbia's Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, announced that his office will adequately respond to a complaint concerning alleged discrimination at the "Jovan Jovanović Zmaj" Gymnasium (Jova Gymnasium) in Novi Sad. The complaint was submitted by the Independent Trade Union of Education Workers of Serbia (NSPRS), whose members accuse the school's director, Radivoje Stojković, of violating the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination.

Antonijević stated that while the complaint has been announced, his office has not yet officially received it. He stressed the importance of citizens filing complaints whenever they feel discriminated against, as this is the proper channel for the institution to investigate. "In any case, when citizens believe that discrimination has occurred on any grounds or unequal treatment, the right way is to file a complaint so that the institution can make a decision," Antonijević said.

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In any case, when citizens believe that discrimination has occurred on any grounds or unequal treatment, the right way is to file a complaint so that the institution can make a decision.

The NSPRS complaint reportedly cites seven grounds for alleged discrimination, including unequal decision-making regarding employee requests, selective contract amendments, unequal treatment after sick leave, decisions on forming professional councils, administrative obstruction, selective initiation of disciplinary proceedings, and public statements by the director that the union claims undermine the dignity of students, parents, and teachers. The union has urged the Commissioner to expedite the review process and publicly announce the outcome.

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I cannot comment on the specific case until I have the documentation.

Antonijević declined to comment on the specifics of the Jova Gymnasium case until he has reviewed all relevant documentation. He explained that the duration of such proceedings depends on the complaint's content and quality, as well as the need for additional clarifications from the school. "We can request additional explanations and contact the school, which also has a legal deadline to provide a response. Decisions are not made in a matter of days," he noted, adding that legal timeframes cannot be shortened despite requests for urgency.

The Jova Gymnasium has been a subject of public attention for some time. Antonijević assured that, as with other cases, a clear answer regarding discrimination will be provided only after a thorough examination of the submitted documents.

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We can request additional explanations and contact the school, which also has a legal deadline to provide a response. Decisions are not made in a matter of days.