Philosophy Faculty in Niš: Professor Mihić Case a Serious Precedent with Far-Reaching Consequences

A group of 83 employees at the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš has declared the University of Novi Sad's decision to reject Professor Vladimir Mihić's re-election as an extraordinary professor a "serious precedent" with far-reaching consequences for the academic community.

The faculty members assert that all relevant expert bodies had confirmed Mihić met all legal and regulatory requirements for the position. They emphasize that universities should operate on principles of expertise, academic autonomy, and transparent procedures, particularly in the selection of faculty.

Concerns are raised about the lack of a clear explanation for the decision, especially since it was made through a secret ballot, deviating from the university's own regulations. This opacity, they argue, deepens doubts about the process's regularity.

The employees find it particularly troubling that the decision appears to disregard expert evaluations without citing any issues with Mihić's academic or professional competencies. They suggest the rejection might be linked to his public statements and support for students, raising fears that disagreement with an individual's views could lead to sanctions, thereby threatening freedom of expression and the consistent application of academic procedures.

Expressing solidarity with Professor Mihić, the signatories stand for the preservation of free thought and academic principles within the university system.

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U ovom slučaju, takvo obrazloženje je izostalo, dok je odluka doneta tajnim glasanjem, što predstavlja odstupanje od odredaba Pravilnika o načinu i postupku sticanja zvanja i zasnivanja radnog odnosa nastavnika Univerziteta u Novom Sadu i dodatno produbljuje sumnju u regularnost čitavog postupka.