History and Geography Textbooks Tailored to the SNS: What's the Center for Social Stability's Connection to National Textbooks?

A concerning report from Danas, as highlighted by N1, raises serious questions about the integrity of the textbook selection process in Serbia. The public has been eagerly awaiting the appointment of authors for the crucial national history and geography textbooks. However, the alleged interference of the Center for Social Stability (CSS), an organization known for its controversial public profile, in this process is deeply troubling.

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The public has been eagerly awaiting to hear who will be chosen to write the national textbooks for history and geography, but not even the greatest pessimists could have imagined that the Center for Social Stability would interfere in the announcement of the competition for the selection of authors, which is a legal obligation of the state publisher Zavod za udžbenike.

The CSS has gained notoriety for its campaigns against independent media and individuals perceived as critical of the government, including those who support student movements. Their alleged influence over the selection of authors for core educational materials like history and geography textbooks suggests a potential attempt to shape the national narrative from a young age. This is particularly alarming given the CSS's track record and the sensitive nature of these subjects, which are fundamental to national identity and understanding.

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In public, the Center is best known for its works targeting professional media and individuals who support students, as well as for organizing rallies against blockades.

Nebojša Jovanović, an editor at the state publishing house Zavod za udžbenike, voiced his concerns at an Edu forum event, claiming that the CSS holds significant sway over the competition's terms and the eventual selection of authors. He described the process as "shady" and indicated that key decisions were being made by individuals from the CSS, not solely by the publishing house's editorial board. This assertion directly contradicts the official stance of Zavod za udžbenike.

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What I had the opportunity to see is quite shady, although I am not a decisive factor in my publishing house to be able to determine the conditions of the competition.

Following Jovanović's statements, Zavod za udžbenike issued a denial, labeling his claims as inaccurate and potentially damaging to the institution's reputation. The publishing house stated that only internal representatives participated in preparing the tender documentation. They announced an internal procedure to address Jovanović's allegations. From our perspective, this situation highlights a critical juncture for educational transparency in Serbia. The public deserves assurance that textbook authors are chosen based on academic merit and pedagogical expertise, free from undue political or organizational influence. The conflicting accounts necessitate a thorough and transparent investigation to safeguard the quality and neutrality of our children's education.

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I know the specific names of the people, who is in charge for history, I know who is coming and who is sitting in the collegiums, I am not sitting as an editor, but people from that center are sitting, which gives a negative note to everything.