Turkish lawmaker slams mass dismissal of academics from foundation universities

Sevda Karaca, a lawmaker from the EMEP party, has voiced strong criticism regarding the dismissal of more than 150 academics from foundation universities in Istanbul. The wave of firings occurred as universities entered their summer break, sparking a press conference at the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

Karaca contends that these universities are being managed with a corporate mentality, transforming them from centers of knowledge production into businesses that merely supply diplomas tailored to market demands. "They want universities to cease being areas where science is produced. They want them to become businesses that market diplomas according to the needs of the market," she stated.

The lawmaker pointed out that a significant number of the dismissed academics are from social sciences, communication, and arts departments. She believes that capital views these fields as unprofitable and unnecessary, leading to their systematic elimination. "Departments that foster critical thinking and the struggle for rights are being targeted for liquidation," Karaca asserted.

She further alleged that the administrative boards of foundation universities are intertwined with corporate management structures. "Foundation universities, defined as non-profit organizations, are run like businesses by their patrons. They apply the same oppressive practices to academics in universities as they do to workers in their companies," Karaca explained, recalling Karl Marx's words that a school owner investing in a "teaching factory" rather than a physical factory changes nothing.

Karaca also criticized the Higher Education Council (YÖK) for failing to conduct necessary oversight. She noted that academics are being deprived of job security and the right to organize, facing legal injustices. The dismissals, she argued, negatively impact students' right to education. Karaca questioned YÖK's silence towards university patrons who implement drastic tuition hikes while begrudging academics meager salaries, accusing YÖK of engaging in a "witch hunt" against students who voice demands for better cafeteria services, housing, and academic education.