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Tensions over religious influence and student protests in SR

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2026-09-27 19:32 UTC → 2026-10-01 14:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Serbian Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković continues to face criticism regarding the management of the national education system. While previously accused of “complete ignorance” regarding teacher shortages, the Minister has recently focused on the need for depoliticization, arguing that institutions sometimes act as “independent islands” by bypassing legal norms. Tensions have intensified regarding the influence of religion in education. Vladimir Obradović of the Freedom and Justice Party (SSP) accused Stanković of prioritizing religious ideology over scientific advancement, specifically citing proposals to return Jova Gymnasium in Novi Sad to the Serbian Orthodox Church. Addressing school directors in Kraljevo, Vrnjačka Banja, and Raška, Stanković characterized the national education system as having undergone a “great crisis” due to “strong political influence.” He emphasized that education is a strategic investment and advocated for gradual reforms, including outcome-based learning and the introduction of professional and dual profiles. Regarding digital transformation, he noted that 99.5 percent of schools are now connected to the internet and announced plans to prioritize teacher training in artificial intelligence. Conflict persists between the Ministry and the student body. Protesting students, currently engaged in a blockade, requested that the university academic year be delayed until November 1 to allow for participation in upcoming election activities. Stanković rejected this, labeling the request from what he termed “politicized students” as “legally and pedagogically unfounded.” He warned that any suspension of classes would constitute an unambiguous violation of the Law on Higher Education and that creating such discontinuity would be “catastrophic.” ~~He confirmed~~ On October 1, Stanković announced that the new academic year ~~will begin on October 1, warning~~ would proceed without the disruptions or politicization seen in the previous period, asserting that university ~~leadership attempting to facilitate non-attendance would face investigations.~~ autonomy is being protected. During a meeting in Požarevac, he reiterated that reforms will focus on outcome-based learning and functional knowledge.

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