Osmaniye Protests Exclusion from Earthquake Student Support Status

Education union leaders in Osmaniye province have voiced strong objections after the region was excluded from a special student status designed for those affected by the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The Higher Education Council (YÖK) recently decided to extend this special status for earthquake-impacted students by another year, a move that has sparked anger in Osmaniye.

Adem Yücel, head of the Education-Work branch in Osmaniye, questioned the rationale behind the exclusion. "Did Osmaniye not experience an earthquake? Are Osmaniye students not earthquake victims?" Yücel asked, demanding to know the scientific, legal, or ethical grounds for differentiating between students who endured the same disaster.

The exclusion raises concerns about equitable treatment for students in disaster-stricken areas. While YÖK's extension aims to support students facing educational disruptions due to the earthquakes, the decision to leave Osmaniye out has led to accusations of unfairness and a lack of consideration for the province's own earthquake-related challenges. The union is calling for a review of the decision to ensure all affected students receive necessary support.