Their anger remained contained for several days, but erupted on Monday, March 18: in an internal memo including World deans of schools, directors of Sciences Po’s research centers and departments, as well as elected permanent faculty members of the National Foundation for Political Science (FNSP) Board of Trustees expressed their views. “deep emotions”in response to “unannounced visit” of the Prime Minister at the meeting of the foundation’s board of directors on March 13.
To the surprise of the members of this council, Gabriel Attal was invited to a meeting with the Minister of Higher Education, Sylvie Retailleau, to condemn “a drift associated with an active and dangerous minority at Sciences Po” which would do “the fish rots from the head”.
The 29 signatories, including Sergei Gouriev, director of training and research, were deeply shocked by the episode and wanted to set the record straight. “No political leader can arrogate to himself the right to devalue the basic principles of independence and academic freedom as enshrined in the laws of the Republic.They write. Remember that academic freedom guarantees the right to teach and conduct research completely independently, under the control and supervision of colleagues, but without interference from any outside authority, including the state. »
Pro-Palestinian mobilization
For the deans and directors, “hints at a possible takeover (L’)establishment during the March 13 board meeting, seemingly contradicts this fundamental principle” What is academic freedom?
Gabriel Attal announced the referral to the prosecutor following a pro-Palestinian rally held the day before at the amphitheater during which he delivered remarks “unspeakable”according to Emmanuel Macron, they were arrested against a student from the Union of Jewish Students of France, to whom this sentence was allegedly thrown: “Don’t let her in, she’s a Zionist.” » On the spot, many students denied this version of the facts. The school management launched an internal investigation and reported the facts to the public prosecutor.
The controversy on Wednesday, March 13, grew throughout the day, exacerbated by the morning announcement of the resignation of the school’s principal, Mathias Vicherat, after learning of his transfer to the criminal court with his ex-partner, for acts of domestic violence.
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