University of Belgrade Rector’s Board rejects Vucic’s dialogue invitation

“A series of inconsistencies in the public statements of government officials does not convince us that a dialogue aimed at fulfilling the students’ demands is possible, nor effective if organized between two parties that do not have a mandate to discuss these demands and to which the demands have not even been addressed,” the Rector’s Board said in a statement.

It added that “the invitation for dialogue comes at a time when all moral and legal norms have been breached, in an atmosphere of general mistrust.”

“As representatives of the University and academic citizens, we are further discouraged by the fact that the proposed dialogue seems impossible due to the ongoing attacks against the academic community in the media, and even more brutal and unacceptable physical attacks in public spaces,” the statement continues.

The Rector’s Board stated the University of Belgrade reiterates its insistence that the relevant institutions fulfill the students’ demands and notes that any dialogue must take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect between all relevant actors, with trust in the institutions and within their respective jurisdictions.

“The University of Belgrade is ready to provide expert support to the students in determining the fulfillment of their demands and to align its further activities aimed at establishing a societal dialogue with the decisions of student plenums, thus preserving the unity of the University. We believe that dialogue is a key tool in building a democratic society, and as a representative of the academic community, the University of Belgrade is an important societal actor and a respected interlocutor. It remains available to the public and institutions for any matter of social importance, within its jurisdiction and expertise,” the Rector’s Board stated.

The Board expressed gratitude for the invitation and said it assures “the president and the public that, as long as we work within our entrusted duties and competences, we work for the benefit of the university community, students, and society as a whole.”