Lebanese Cabinet postpones tenure decision for university professors

The Lebanese Cabinet has once again postponed a decision regarding the tenure file for contract professors at the Lebanese University. This delay has triggered an open-ended strike by the professors, who have vowed to boycott all teaching, academic, and administrative activities until the tenure law is approved.

Discussions within the Cabinet reportedly involved questioning Education Minister Rima Karami regarding the criteria used for the tenure process. Concerns were raised about a lack of fairness and necessity, with allegations that political interference influenced the selection. Specifically, critics noted that the proposed plan relied heavily on seniority rather than equitable standards and raised objections to granting tenure to individuals over the age of 60 who are nearing retirement.

Additionally, the issue of sectarian balance has become a point of contention. Reports suggest the proposed Christian representation in the tenure batches fell below 35 percent, contrary to previous understandings of maintaining demographic balance. This has drawn involvement from religious leadership, including the Maronite Patriarch, who emphasized the need to maintain balance in the process.