The Administration of the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš has issued a fierce condemnation of the Serbian Government’s decision to establish a so-called Faculty of Serbian Studies, calling it nothing short of a political intervention and a dangerous precedent for the entire university system in the country.
In a move described as unprecedented and undemocratic, the Government of Serbia, during its session on November 6, 2025, unilaterally decided to found the new faculty without the consent of the University of Niš Council, the Faculty of Philosophy Council, or even the students and staff directly affected.
The new institution — imposed on the same premises as the Faculty of Philosophy — was created by forcefully detaching three departments: History, Serbian Studies, and Russian Language and Literature, effectively dismantling the existing academic structure of one of Serbia’s most respected faculties.
“This decision blatantly ignores professional and institutional autonomy. It violates every principle of dialogue and academic independence,” the faculty administration declared.
Despite numerous meetings between Ministry of Education officials and faculty representatives, the government reportedly refused to accept any compromise. The final decision, the faculty emphasized, was identical to the original political proposal, proving that consultations were merely a façade.
“By disobeying the decisions of professional and administrative bodies, the Government has set a dangerous precedent that opens the door for future political meddling in universities,” the statement warns, adding that such acts threaten the very foundations of higher education in Serbia.
The Faculty’s management went further, accusing the government of undermining the rule of law, violating the Constitution, and trampling on academic autonomy by effectively seizing accredited study programs and transferring students and staff without consent.
“This violent act destroys the integrity of our faculty and sends a devastating message to the international academic community — that the Republic of Serbia is a state where the law, professionalism, and tradition can be bypassed by political will,” the statement continued.
The faculty has vowed to use every legal mechanism available to fight what it calls an illegal and coercive act.
In a direct appeal to the public, the administration called on academics, students, and citizens across Serbia to stand in solidarity in defense of legality, institutional dignity, and university autonomy.
“We call on the state authorities to immediately halt all unlawful actions, to respect existing regulations and procedures, and to act in accordance with good academic practice,” the statement concludes.
The message from Niš is clear — the government has crossed a red line, and the academic community is preparing to resist what many now see as a politically motivated attack on the independence of Serbian universities.
