Academic staff member refused to hand over diploma: Photo standoff at Boğaziçi University

Tense scenes unfolded at Boğaziçi University's graduation ceremony when a graduating student refused to pose for a photo with academic staff member Yasin Ramazan Başaran while receiving their diploma. The academic then withheld the diploma in an attempt to force the photo.

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At the university's Philosophy Department graduation ceremony, a graduating student objected to a request from faculty member Yasin Ramazan Başaran — also known as a "parachute academic" — to pose for a photo while receiving their diploma, and refused the request.

In response, Başaran withheld the diploma in an attempt to compel the photo, while the student's friends showed their support with applause.

Boğaziçi'nin Sesi announced what happened on its social media accounts as follows:

"Today at the Philosophy graduation ceremony, one of our friends did not want to be photographed while receiving their diploma from a parachute academic. In response, parachute Yasin Ramazan Başaran refused to hand over our friend's diploma and physically intervened! Yasin Ramazan Başaran must be removed from the department immediately. We stand by our friend — students will not bow down to you!"

Academic Yasin Ramazan Başaran, also referred to as a "parachute academic," had been appointed to the Philosophy Department during the tenure of trustee rector Naci İnci.