Professor Tuna Tuğcu's dismissal from public service at Boğaziçi University protested as 'attack on academic freedom'

Boğaziçi University's Computer Engineering faculty member, Professor Tuna Tuğcu, has been dismissed from public service, an action met with strong protest from the university community. The Education Union Istanbul Branch No. 6 stated that Tuğcu, who had served the university for 22 years, contributing through his scientific work and holding positions like department head, was subjected to various investigations, administrative pressures, and mobbing.

Despite his contributions, the union declared that Tuğcu was dismissed without being allowed to exercise his right to defense. "This decision does not just target an academician. This decision is an attack on scientific production, teaching, academic freedom, and the most fundamental values of universities," the union asserted. The statement highlighted that the university's own Computer Engineering Department Academic Board found the grounds for the dismissal technically and legally unacceptable, with expert academics publicly stating the claims were not based on technical facts.

Boğaziçi University alumni also issued a statement, noting that Tuğcu had faced numerous investigations and lawsuits over the past four years, making it difficult for him to practice his profession. They found it "thought-provoking" that the decision, reportedly made in February 2026, was only communicated on May 26. The alumni emphasized that the four-year struggle Tuğcu endured, including issues related to university data accessed by third parties via the IT center in 2022, was part of a broader trend.

"We know that universities survive not through investigations, pressures, and expulsions, but through free thought, scientific production, and solidarity," the union declared. "Professor Tuna Tuğcu is not alone. We will continue to defend scientific production, academic freedom, and the democratic future of universities. This university is ours. We are right, we will win."