Serbian Union Claims Education Law Amendments Aim to Silence Critics

Serbia's Independent Trade Union of Education Workers (NSPRS) has strongly criticized the proposed amendments to the Law on the Foundations of Education and Upbringing, asserting that the current government intends to use the legislation to purge critical voices from the education sector.

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The text of the proposed amendments to the law is in the spirit of 'revengeful policy' towards the rebellious academic community, and the public discussion also showed the evil intention of the rulers.

The union described the public discussion process for the amendments as flawed and indicative of the authorities' "malicious intent." NSPRS highlighted that the 20-day consultation period coincided with the peak summer holiday season, making meaningful participation difficult. They also noted that only one public forum was held, with a limited number of attendees whose mobile phones were confiscated upon entry, and without media presence.

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The Minister of Education did not deign to leave his office and stand before students, teachers, and parents anywhere in Serbia to explain and defend his proposals, but also to hear their remarks and opinions.

NSPRS further stated that the Minister of Education, Dejan Vuk Stanković, did not engage directly with educators, parents, or students across Serbia to explain or defend the proposals, nor did he solicit their feedback. The union warned that if adopted, the amendments would accelerate the departure of top teachers and discourage critical thinking and independence among students, instead rewarding sycophancy and obedience.

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On the contrary, sycophancy and obedience will be rewarded.