Istanbul University students launch sit-in protest against cafeteria price hikes

Istanbul University students have launched a protest against the 40 percent hike in cafeteria prices. The students, who conveyed their demands to the rectorate, were not admitted to a second meeting on the scheduled date despite having previously held discussions with the administration. With the process stalled, the students began a sit-in protest in front of the rectorate building.

The second meeting was supposed to take place on March 7 (today). However, when the students went to the rectorate building, they were not admitted to the meeting on the grounds that the secretary was not at their desk. When the students requested a new meeting, they were told, "You can protest as much as you want, you will not get a meeting."

According to the report in BirGün, following this response, the students launched a sit-in protest in front of the Istanbul University Rectorate until their demands are met.

STUDENTS' DEMANDS

• Reversal of the cafeteria price hikes
• Increase in vegan meal options
• Improvement of meal quality and health standards
• Transparent disclosure of the university's budget
• Free second servings in the cafeteria
• No mobbing against cafeteria staff
• No disciplinary investigations against students participating in the protests

The students stated that they will continue their protest until their demands are met. There has been no official statement from the university administration yet.

News Source: 12punto