Moroccan Higher Education Union Takes a Stand Against Attacks on Teachers’ Rights
The National Union of Higher education in Morocco’s Rabat-Salé region has issued a strong statement condemning recent attempts to undermine the dignity and professional rights of teachers. In a press release published on Wednesday, January 22, the union declared that the rights of educators are a ”red line” that cannot be crossed, emphasizing it’s unwavering commitment to defending these rights since its inception.
The statement comes in response to efforts to activate chapter 73 of the Civil Service Law, which the union has labeled as “illegal” and “not based on reliable bases.” The union views these attempts as a “direct violation” of the dignity of professors in higher education institutions, warning that such actions threaten the stability of employment in universities and other academic establishments.
The union has expressed full solidarity with professors Balocho Abdel Kabir and Zayed Younis, whose rights have been directly targeted. It outlined a series of measures to address the situation, including:
- Absolute solidarity with the affected professors to protect their rights and academic status.
- Total condemnation of the activation of Chapter 73, which the union believes undermines essential rights and jeopardizes job security in higher education.
- A call for participatory dialog with university officials to resolve ongoing issues and improve the quality of education.
The union also affirmed its right to take “all combative and legal measures” to safeguard the rights of professors, urging all educators and researchers to unite in defense of their achievements.
In addition to its stance on individual cases, the union extended its support to several higher education institutions in the rabat-Salé region, including the Institute of Posts and Telecommunications, the Mohammedia Engineering School, the Souissi Faculty of Law, and the Ecole Supérieure of Arts and Crafts of Rabat.The national Union of Higher Education emphasized that its actions are part of a broader effort to defend the independence of higher education in Morocco and protect the dignity of its workers. It warned that any threat to these rights could have far-reaching consequences for the entire education system.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Union’s Response |
|————————————|————————————————————————————-|
| Activation of Chapter 73 | Denounced as “illegal” and a “direct violation” of professors’ dignity. |
| Support for Professors | Full solidarity with Balocho Abdel Kabir and Zayed Younis. |
| Call for Dialogue | Urged participatory discussions with university officials to resolve issues. |
| Legal Measures | Reserved the right to take combative and legal actions to protect rights. |
| Institutional Support | Backed higher education establishments in Rabat-Salé, including key institutions. |
the union’s statement underscores the critical role of educators in shaping morocco’s future and highlights the need for collective action to safeguard their rights. As the situation unfolds, the union’s call for unity and dialogue will be pivotal in addressing the challenges facing higher education in the country.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Morocco World news.
Headline: Defending Educators’ Rights: A Conversation on the Moroccan Higher Education Union’s Stand Against Attacks on Teachers
Introduction: In a recent turn of events, the National Union of Higher Education in Morocco’s Rabat-Salé region has strongly condemned attempts to undermine the rights of educators.We sit down with Dr.amina El Houmazi, an education policy specialist and professor at the Mohammed V University in Rabat, to discuss the union’s stance, the implications of activating Chapter 73 of the Civil Service Law, and the way forward for higher education in Morocco.
1. The Union’s Stance on Chapter 73: A Red Line
Word Today News (WTN): Dr. El Houmazi, could you start by explaining why the union views the activation of Chapter 73 as a “direct violation” of professors’ dignity?
Dr. Amina El Houmazi (AEH): Certainly.Chapter 73, if activated, would effectively strip professors of their job security and due process rights. This is seen as a direct attack on their professional dignity and an attempt to weaken the academic community’s independence and freedom.
WTN: How does this impact the stability of employment in universities?
AEH: The union’s concern is that this could lead to a Brain Drain, where our most qualified professors leave for more secure positions elsewhere. It also creates an surroundings of fear and uncertainty,which doesn’t foster an environment conductive to quality education or research.
2. Solidarity and Support: The Union’s Commitment
WTN: The union has expressed full solidarity with Professors Abdel Kabir and younis. Can you elaborate on why their cases have become a rallying point for the union?
AEH: These professors have become symbols of resistance against what the union sees as an unfair system. By supporting them, the union is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate any infringement on its members’ rights.
WTN: How does the union plan to protect their rights and academic status?
AEH: The union has outlined several measures, including absolute solidarity, total condemnation of the activation of Chapter 73, and calling for participatory dialog with university officials. It also reserves the right to take legal and combative measures if necessary.
3. Dialogue and the Way Forward
WTN: The union has called for participatory dialogue with university officials. What do you think this dialogue should focus on?
AEH: It should focus on resolving ongoing issues and improving the quality of education. This includes ensuring job security, fair compensation, and the autonomy of academic institutions.
WTN: What are the potential consequences if these issues are not resolved?
AEH: If not addressed, these issues could have far-reaching consequences for the entire education system.It could lead to declined quality of education, increased inequalities, and social unrest.
4. Supporting Institutions and Protecting Independence
WTN: The union has extended its support to several higher education institutions in the rabat-Salé region. How crucial is it to protect the independence of these institutions?
AEH: It’s crucial. Academic independence is vital for fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, academic freedom, and critical thinking. Without it, our academic institutions risk becoming mere conformity machines, churning out Graduates lacking creativity and adaptability.