Students at Jovan Gymnasium Begin Two-Day Class Boycott: "They are under constant pressure, professors are suspended, and classes do not exist"

Students at the prestigious Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium in Novi Sad, Serbia, have initiated a two-day boycott of classes, protesting the current situation within the school. While classes are formally being held, the extent of student attendance remains uncertain.

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They are under constant pressure, their professors are suspended, and classes practically do not exist

The oldest gymnasium in Novi Sad has been operating without its main building since the start of the academic year, with classes dispersed across three different schools. This arrangement has been met with opposition from parents and teachers, and communication with the director, Radivoje P. Stojković, has been described as "extremely poor."

In recent weeks, tensions have significantly heightened. Director Stojković suspended five professors, prompting around 30 other teachers to take sick leave in solidarity. The director responded by revoking these professors' access to electronic school systems, including email and digital grade books.

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a form of terror

In response to these developments, students decided to boycott classes. Goran Radojev, a member of the Parents' Council, noted that while the students did not announce the boycott beforehand, this is not the first time they have taken such action. He expects similar solidarity this time. Radojev also mentioned that Director Stojković had previously initiated disciplinary proceedings against students following an earlier boycott, which he believes was an attempt to intimidate them. These proceedings were eventually dropped due to a lack of evidence and what Radojev termed "a lot of untruths."

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Stojković is literally a blockader, because he is blocking our children's education, as well as their return to school, and the children really want to gain knowledge

Radojev, speaking as a parent, expressed understanding for the students' decision, stating that the children have endured a form of "terror" for a significant period. He highlighted the constant pressure, the suspension of teachers, the de facto non-existence of normal classes, and the displacement into three separate schools. The mayor of Novi Sad recently confirmed the school's safety, which Radojev interprets as evidence that the relocation was solely the director's decision, suggesting he should resign or be removed. Radojev concluded by expressing fear and uncertainty about future developments, stating, "What can you expect from Radivoje P. Stojković? Nobody knows anymore, and we are all literally in fear."

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What can you expect from Radivoje P. Stojković? Nobody knows anymore, and we are all literally in fear