“Lebanon Debate”
In light of the continuing issue of the vacancy of contract professors at the Lebanese University without a resolution, the professors are carrying out a sit-in today, coinciding with the Cabinet session, in objection to the file not being included on the Cabinet’s agenda, despite previous promises to include it in this session or in the next September 10 session. The move comes at a time when professors are demanding approval of their file, warning that continued procrastination would exacerbate the crisis within the university and affect its academic stability.
In this context, Dr. Muhammad Shukr, a member of the follow-up committee for contract professors, explained in an interview with “Lebanon Debate” that the professors were certain that the file would not be presented on the schedule of today’s session, and that it would be presented in the session of September 10, because today is the first session after the holiday, but it is supposed to be brought up in the next session inevitably.
He pointed out that the professors expect things to be resolved on September 10, and today’s sit-in, according to his description, falls within the framework of reminding the government and ministers that the professors will not remain silent, recalling here previous experiences, and he said: “Frankly, we have previous experiences that do not reassure,” pointing out that there is a decision that was previously approved in February, and the executive decision related to it was supposed to be issued after two or three weeks, but so far it has not been issued.
He stressed that the move comes as a reminder of the necessity of completing the file and not leaving it hanging, “if the memory helps,” pointing out that the professors do not want their case to remain hostage to promises.
Regarding the possibility of including the file on the agenda of the next cabinet session, he was quick to say: “Whatever you say will be done by measure,” refusing to give categorical guarantees, but at the same time indicating the presence of some kind of positive signs.
He explained that the professors trust the words of the Prime Minister, considering that he is concerned about the Lebanese University, and knows that there are professors on strike, and that the continuation of the crisis may lead to a problem within the university.
He stressed that the professors have no intention of harming the Lebanese University, but on the contrary, their primary concern is for the university and its continuity, considering that the Prime Minister, based on his concern for it and his knowledge of the extent of the problem, will seek to approve the file.
Regarding communication with the Minister of Education after her return from travel, Dr. Shukr confirmed that no communication has occurred so far, only pointing out that the professors are continuing their movement awaiting what the communications will lead to and whether the sabbatical file will be included on the agenda of the Council of Ministers in the next session.
