"I Taught Psychology, Now I Deliver Express Mail": How Niš Professors Fared After Protests

Two former professors from Serbia's First Niš Gymnasium "Stevan Sremac" allege they faced discrimination and were dismissed after supporting student protests. Milan Nikolić, who taught psychology, stated he now delivers express mail, describing his dismissal as abrupt and lacking communication. He learned of his termination when he entered a classroom to find another teacher instructing his students. Nikolić and his colleagues claim the new acting director, appointed after the previous director who supported students was removed, initiated discriminatory practices. The group sought help from the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, who determined that discrimination had occurred against two employees. Despite the ombudsman's findings and warnings, the school has not reinstated the professors or issued a public apology as recommended. "By law, anyone who commits discrimination must be dismissed. People were dismissed for much less," Nikolić asserted. The professors also noted that the acting director, Radmila Stojiljković, who allegedly oversaw the discrimination, was a candidate in the recent school director elections and received a positive opinion, despite the ombudsman's findings. The ombudsman's office confirmed they had notified the school secretary and the Ministry of Education about the non-compliance, as the ministry holds authority over director appointments.

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I taught psychology, and now I'm currently delivering express mail.