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4 clusters · 6 sources · 32 days · First seen · Last updated

Lebanese University tenure dispute and faculty strikes

Overview

The Lebanese Cabinet has repeatedly postponed decisions regarding the tenure process for contract professors at the Lebanese University. This delay has sparked significant controversy, with critics raising concerns over political interference, a lack of equitable standards, and the potential for seniority-based decisions to favor those nearing retirement. Additionally, religious leadership has intervened to address concerns that the proposed tenure batches might fail to maintain necessary sectarian and demographic balances. In response to the government's inaction, faculty members have escalated their protests. Contracted professors announced an open-ended strike and a mass protest at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education following the cancellation of a scheduled meeting with Education Minister Rima Karami, which they characterized as a “negative message”. Simultaneously, the Association of Tenured Professors joined the strike, arguing that the tenure delays cause job instability and undermine the university’s national mission. On September 29 and 30, 2026, the Executive Body of the Association of Full-Time Professors announced a strike across all university units and branches. The association maintains that tenure must be granted based on academic competence and transparency while upholding the “covenant of coexistence.” As of October 11, 2026, the Contract Professors Committee announced that the strike will continue until the government officially approves the tenure file. This decision follows a survey of approximately 800 contract professors, in which over 90% of participants voted to maintain the strike. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the government and the Minister of Education, citing broken promises and a failure to meet a one-month deadline. The committee stated that professors have endured these professional hardships for more than 12 years and warned that trust in the government is rapidly eroding. Beyond the tenure dispute, the university faces broader administrative instability.

Entities

Lebanese University · Rima Karami · Bishara Rai · Lebanese government · Nawaf Salam

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Lebanese University contract professors to continue strike

    Contract professors at the Lebanese University will continue their strike until the government approves their tenure file, following a survey showing 90% support for the action.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Lebanese University professors announce strike over tenure and leadership issues

    Professors at the Lebanese University have announced a strike for September 29-30, 2026, over tenure disputes and unresolved administrative issues regarding the university presidency.

  3. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Lebanese University professors strike over tenure disputes

    Professors at the Lebanese University have launched strikes across all branches, demanding the immediate resolution of the tenure file for contracted faculty and protesting administrative delays.

  4. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Lebanese Cabinet postpones tenure decision for university professors

    The Lebanese Cabinet postponed a decision on tenure for Lebanese University contract professors, prompting an open-ended strike and accusations of political interference and unfair selection criteria.

Sources

cbnlb.com · cedarnews.net · ch23.com · dailynewslb.com · iklimlb.com · janoub360.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history