The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) has condemned attacks on the Turkish education system, including dismissal of thousands of staff, closure of schools and a blanket ban on academics traveling abroad, imposed by the Turkish government following the recent failed coup attempt there.
Mike Jennings, General Secretary of IFUT, said that while IFUT condemns the coup attempt as an affront to democracy, the disproportionate and repressive response by the Turkish Government is creating perhaps an even greater threat to Turkish democracy and it must be equally highlighted and condemned.
“As an education trade union we are particularly concerned at the grave mistreatment of education employees in Turkey since the coup, including:
- An estimated 22,000 education employees dismissed from their duties.
- More than 1,000 schools closed.
- 1,500 University Deans forced to resign.
- The Turkish Council of Higher Education has prohibited all academics from traveling abroad until further notice.
- Academic Freedom has been effectively abolished.”
IFUT has written to the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Ireland to express these concerns and calling for a reversal of this attack on the very fabric of the Turkish education system.
“We also wish to express our solidarity and support to our sister education union in Turkey, EGITEM-SEN, at this very difficult time for all educationalists in that country,” Mike Jennings said.
ENDS
For further information on this media release please contact:
John Gallagher
John Gallagher Consulting
Tel. 087 9369888
