The Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad has been blocked by students, professors, and citizens in protest against the dismissal of Professor Jelena Kleut, who received a formal notice of termination on January 21.
The demonstrators demand that Professor Kleut be reinstated, arguing that her contract was not renewed as a form of political retaliation for her support of ongoing student protests across Serbia.
“If Professor Kleut cannot teach, then no one can,” the students declared, as they occupied hallways, blew whistles, and made noise to maintain the blockade.
During the protest, Professor Kleut addressed the crowd, emphasizing the broader purpose of the movement:
“I know that when you shout ‘Jelena!’ you think of the whole university. Keep shouting, because we must defend it,” she said.
Dean Milivoj Alanović addressed the protesters, asking for an end to the blockade. He stated that there is no legal basis for Professor Kleut to retain her position, noting that the university administration had followed proper procedures.
The termination follows a decision by the Senate of the University of Novi Sad not to promote Kleut to the position of full professor. Kleut’s appeal was subsequently rejected by the extended Senate.
Approximately 1,200 professors have signed a letter supporting Kleut, describing her dismissal as political revenge, given that her academic record met all criteria for promotion. Kleut has announced that she plans to file a lawsuit against the decision.
Professor Kleut has been teaching at the Faculty of Philosophy for 20 years and has been a vocal supporter of students leading anti-government protests, which have included demands for accountability over the deaths of 16 people at the Novi Sad train station and calls for early parliamentary elections.
Students and faculty at the Novi Sad Faculty of Philosophy were among the first to participate in long-term university blockades across Serbia in solidarity with these movements.
