Protest over suspension of six Jovina Gymnasium professors: "We were ambushed and stabbed in the back."

The atmosphere at Jovina Gymnasium is tense following the unexpected suspension of six professors. Students, citizens, and colleagues gathered in protest, expressing their solidarity and shock at the manner in which the news was delivered. Professor Rima Grujić described the suspension as a "cowardly and backhanded" blow, stating that the professors were summoned to a meeting only to be abruptly informed of their suspension and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.

“

We received the news unexpectedly, cowardly and from behind because the director called us to a meeting that was supposed to be held very quickly.

Grujić indicated that the professors suspect the suspensions are politically motivated, aimed at removing them before they could participate in the election of school board members. The accusations against them include participation in warning strikes and alleged failure to ensure minimum work standards, charges the professors contest, pointing to the director's responsibility in organizing faculty meetings. This situation highlights a deep rift within the school community, with accusations of unfair practices and a lack of transparency.

“

After waiting an hour for the director, he suddenly informs us that we are suspended and that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against us and that we need to sign these decisions, and that we have a hearing scheduled for June 1.

From our perspective at N1 Serbia, this incident raises serious questions about the management and governance of educational institutions. The abruptness of the suspensions and the professors' claims of being blindsided suggest a potential abuse of power. While the official reasons cited relate to work obligations, the timing and the professors' own interpretations point towards a more complex, possibly politically charged, internal conflict. The community's strong reaction underscores the importance of fair process and open communication in resolving such disputes, especially when they affect the educational environment for students.

“

We are accused of serious breaches of work obligations, including warning strikes where we did not ensure a minimum of work, although that is the director's obligation. We are accused of not attending faculty meetings that were not organized.