Zagreb University colleagues back Mihić, urge Novi Sad Senate to review decision

Members of the psychology department at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Philosophy have publicly backed Vladimir Mihić, urging the University of Novi Sad's Senate to review its decision to reject his reappointment as a professor. In a letter shared with the Beta news agency, the Zagreb faculty described the Novi Sad Senate's decision as "surprising and unusual."

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We urge the Senate of the University of Novi Sad to reconsider the decision to reject the positive report on Vladimir Mihić's reappointment as professor, considering it surprising and unusual.

They assert that Mihić meets all the necessary criteria for reappointment, a fact previously confirmed by the Faculty of Philosophy and the Scientific Council for Social Sciences at the University of Novi Sad. The Zagreb faculty is calling for a clear, transparent, and well-reasoned explanation of the decision, adhering to both legal and academic standards.

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Our concern is further amplified by the fact that arguments unrelated to scientific excellence, teaching competencies, or other predefined criteria of academic evaluation are appearing in the discussion about colleague Mihić's reappointment, questioning his public activities.

The letter expresses growing concern that the debate surrounding Mihić's reappointment has shifted from his academic excellence and teaching abilities to his public activities. The Zagreb colleagues, who have collaborated with Mihić for an extended period, describe him as a "dedicated scientist, responsible teacher, and colleague who consistently contributes to the development of his field and the academic community." They highlight his recognized contributions to regional and international scientific circles and his high student evaluations.

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He is a respected university teacher, confirmed by high student evaluations of his work.

The University of Zagreb faculty believes the Novi Sad Senate's decision constitutes a "serious professional injustice." They implore the Senate to uphold principles of academic fairness, transparency, and equal treatment in its final decision. The letter concludes by emphasizing that university professors must have the right to participate in public discussions on important societal issues without fear of arbitrary sanctions for their public actions.

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University teachers have and must have the right to participate in public discussions on all issues they consider socially important, without fear that their public activities could lead to arbitrary sanctions.