The rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, said today that the traditional formal ceremony on the occasion of September 13, the Day of that university, will not be organized, as it would be “inappropriate in the atmosphere of rising government repression” against higher education institutions.
In a written statement, Đokić assessed that this year the holiday is not being celebrated in a manner befitting Serbia’s oldest and leading educational institution, but that the year 2025 will be remembered for the wave of positive changes initiated by the academics.
“This year will be remembered by generations for the strong, unwavering wave of justice-loving spirit of our students and the academic community, for restoring public trust in the University as the center of democratic aspirations of our society,” the rector stated.
According to him, the autonomy of the university during the current crisis is being violated by those whose basic duty is to guarantee it.
“To alumni, students, our current and future colleagues, as well as to everyone with whom we share dedication to education, loyalty, and belonging to the university, I congratulate University Day and express my gratitude and determination to persevere together on the path toward a democratically organized society, worthy of our university’s long tradition and responsible toward current students and generations to come,” Đokić stated.
The date of September 13 was declared the Day of the University of Belgrade in memory of that day in 1808, when Dositej Obradović, the main “overseer” – the head of all schools, or minister of education, in the presence of the Serbian vožd Karađorđe, held the first lecture at the then Great School.
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Source:N1; Foto: ATAImages