YÖK statement on Bilgi University: Reopened due to Erdoğan's 'strong sensitivity'

İstanbul Bilgi University, which had its doors locked by a decision published in the Official Gazette, was reopened 3 days later by another presidential decree following fierce protests and reactions from students. YÖK described the reversal of the closure decision as a result of "Erdoğan's strong sensitivity."

A step back has been taken from the closure decision that lasted only 3 days at İstanbul Bilgi University, one of Turkey's established foundation universities. A new decision was published under the same signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding the university, whose operating license was suddenly revoked and which saw riot control vehicles (TOMA) enter its campus. While the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced that the closure decision dated May 21 was officially repealed as of May 25, the "praise-filled" language used in the statement drew attention.

CAMPUS RESISTANCE MASKED AS "ERDOĞAN SENSITIVITY"

While students and academics continued their sit-in protests at the SantralIstanbul Campus despite harsh interventions by police and private security, a bureaucratic move came from YÖK aimed at covering up the background of the incident. Stating that they had presented the report of the appointed trustee committee to Erdoğan, YÖK attempted to defend the cancellation of the scandalous closure decision with the following words:

"In line with the strong sensitivity shown by our President regarding the expectations of our youth and their families; the process has been re-evaluated in the name of public interest, the stability of our higher education system, and to ensure that none of our students suffer any grievances. It has been decided that the university will continue its educational activities without interruption."

''WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO 22 THOUSAND STUDENTS AND STAFF?''

In its statement, YÖK also listed the massive staff and student population—which had not been considered when the closure decision was made—as if it were a "favor." While it was claimed that the university's financial structure was being protected, it was noted that 22,000 students are currently studying at the school, which employs 1,100 academic and administrative staff and 1,000 part-time workers.

YÖK PRESIDENT ÖZVAR: "THE INITIAL PROCESS WAS A REGULATORY REQUIREMENT"

YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar also made assessments. Özvar claimed that the initial closure decision was merely a "legal procedure," attributing the blame to regulations. Özvar stated, "However, in line with the reports submitted, our President did not allow our students to suffer grievances and has sensitively considered the expectations of families and employees."

News Source: 12punto