Istanbul Bar Association issues sharp reaction to decision to close Bilgi University

The termination of Istanbul Bilgi University's operating license by a Presidential decree, shortly before the end of the academic term, has sparked controversy. The Istanbul Bar Association issued a written statement condemning the decision, stating that the practice threatens constitutional rights and the university's scientific autonomy.

In its statement, the Bar Association emphasized that the decision, which was published in the Official Gazette during the night without providing a justification, "is incompatible with the principles of university autonomy, the right to education, and the rule of law, all of which are guaranteed by the Constitution."

The statement also cited a previous ruling by the Constitutional Court, underlining that the revocation of a university's operating license effectively amounts to closure and that such actions can only be carried out through legislation.

"THE DECISION IS A NEW EXAMPLE OF THE PRACTICE OF USURPING LEGISLATIVE POWER BY THE EXECUTIVE THROUGH SINGLE-SIGNATURE ACTIONS"

The Bar Association stated that the relevant articles of the Higher Education Law No. 2547 have made the existence of universities dependent on the unilateral administrative actions of the executive branch, and underscored that this is contrary to the principle of scientific autonomy guaranteed by Article 130 of the Constitution. The practice was met with a reaction stating, "This decision is a new example of the practice of usurping legislative power by the executive through single-signature actions."

In the statement, the Bar Association recalled that the Istanbul Convention was also withdrawn from in a similar manner by a Presidential decree, bypassing the will of Parliament, and argued that constitutional boundaries have been violated once again, and that critical issues concerning public order and fundamental rights are being handled in a way that lacks democratic legitimacy.

Regarding the timing of the decision, it was noted that it threatens the right to education of thousands of students, the scientific activities of academic staff, and the job security of employees. It was recorded that the university's constituents have been dragged into a state of serious uncertainty.

The Istanbul Bar Association used the expression, "Universities are not areas for arbitrary intervention by political power; they are under constitutional protection for democracy, freedom of expression, and scientific production."

Finally, expressing their belief in the rule of law, the separation of powers, and university autonomy, the Bar Association announced to the public that they stand in solidarity with the academic and administrative staff, students, and all employees working at Istanbul Bilgi University.

News Source: 12punto