Students protest 'gown' crisis at ILEF: 'Mandatory deduction' backlash
Students at the Ankara University Faculty of Communication (ILEF) are reacting against the pricing policy set by the faculty administration for graduation gowns and caps ahead of the ceremony to be held on July 1. Students argue that this practice undermines the principle of equal opportunity within the university.
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"Mandatory Deduction" Draws Backlash
The faculty administration is demanding 1500 TL from students for the delivery of gowns and caps.
However, the point causing backlash is that the full amount is not refunded to students even if the garments are returned without damage. The seizure of 750 TL out of the 1500 TL paid means that students are faced with a mandatory financial burden of 750 TL in any case.
"Contrary to Fairness"
Citing practices in other faculties of Ankara University as examples, ILEF students highlight the injustice in the objection petition they prepared.
Stating that in many faculties, gown and cap delivery is either done free of charge in exchange for a student ID card or the deposit taken is returned to students in full upon return, the students express that this system applied at ILEF does not align with the principles of "fairness".
The petition states, "For us students who have reached the graduation stage and are already trying to complete our education under heavy economic burdens, this deduction is an unfair financial load."
Signature Campaign Launched
Not viewing the issue as limited only to this year's graduates, students believe that this practice will create a permanent grievance for lower-class students as well. Along with the official objection petition prepared to be submitted to the faculty deanship, a signature campaign has also been launched.
In the petition submitted to the deanship along with the list of signatories, it is requested that the full 1500 TL be refunded or that a no-deposit delivery option be offered.
'Let Them Count the Gown Money Toward the Money They Pocketed'
According to information obtained, although it is stated that a portion of the refund amount will be covered through sponsorship as a result of the students' long efforts, the fact that the school administration has still not taken any steps is met with backlash.
In a statement published under the headline "Let Them Count the Gown Money Toward the Money They Pocketed," the Voice of Ankara University stated, "Those who manage Ankara University as if it were their father's farm must stop seeing the students of our country's highest-funded university as customers at every opportunity."
News: Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU