What was supposed to be a standard ceremonial anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy on Thursday turned into a kind of spectacle when the gathered audience was addressed by the rector of the University, Damir Boras, reports Srednja hr.
The speech had just begun when loud whistling erupted from the back of the hall by students of the Faculty of Philosophy, who also unfurled a large banner reading ‘Philosophy is ours’.
Ironically, Boras, who was declared the anti-communicator of the year, called the protesting students to dialogue, stating that he is ready to talk to anyone who respects university values and is tolerant.
The rector’s speech, lasting 14 minutes, turned into a debate with the loud students, causing him to lose his train of thought at times, and when the whistling subsided, the rector spoke about the financing of the University and the retention of teachers over 65 years old in the system. After his speech, instead of applause, he was met with shouts of discontent.
The rector was an employee of the Faculty of Philosophy until last academic year, but afterward moved to the Teacher and Graphic Faculty, where he received permission to extend his work after the age of 65.
After his speech, Dean Vesna Vlahović-Štetić apologized for the students’ whistling but asserted that this act was also – Philosophical.
