At a time when security in universities is returning with intensity to the political agenda, the prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis It is calling on their Maximus Mansion today, Monday, asking for the country’s HEIs, calling for a “complete response” In the government plan to enhance security in university sites. The meeting takes place as the deadline – until July – approaches – to submit integrated security plans by all institutions.
The pressure towards HEIs to move quickly and coordinated is evident. As has already been shown by the last meeting of the Rectors, new Minister of Education Sofia Zacharakis has taken on the role of “carrier” of government messages, clearly demanding More activation than universities. So far, only certain institutions have submitted security plans: NTUA, OPA, AUTH, DIPAE, University of Piraeus, Democritus, Patras and Crete.
Hard package of measures and new legislative intervention
At the same time, the Ministry of Education is preparing new bill moving in a stricter line than in the past. Deputy Minister Nikos Papaioannou presented in Parliament key points of the plan, which includes:
-A native Disciplinary Board in each HEI, with compulsory composition and rapid hearing within two months.
-Automatic suspension of student status for two years in cases of severe criminal prosecution for acts of violence or extensive destruction.
-Deleting student only after irrevocable conviction.
-A specific criminal framework for university violence -according to the standards of sports and domestic violence.
-Sustainable security plans, with constant updating.
-Shipping and activating security units in all institutions.
-Access control using academic identity.
-University of university violence in the Ministry of Education.
-Economic penalties and compensation through DOU for infrastructure damage.
Message by reciprocating rectal
In Tiktok, Kyriakos Mitsotakis had already sent a clear message from last week: Security at HEIs is not only a matter for the government, but also of the Rectors themselves. On the occasion of the restoration of space in Law, which has been occupied for decades, he said:
“Now, Mr. Rector, it’s your turn to do your own job. To acquire space the image that suits him […] And in this effort, if you need help, we will be with you. “
Rectors react: “Violence is not the same everywhere”
Government rhetoric, however, seems to not find You all agree. As highlighted by their part at the Summit, the over -exaggeration of individual incidents “does not reflect the situation in the whole of HEIs”. In addition, many warn that “horizontal measures” cannot be applied to all universities when the risk level is different.
In spite of objections, the government says that ‘There is no longer room for delays’ and is preparing to fund extraordinary security projects through funds to implement controlled access systems and other infrastructure.
The ghost of the University Police and the new “impression battle”
The government’s attempt to show determination on the issue of security at HEIs is also gaining political burden, as it acts as a “compensation” in the accusations of depreciation of public higher education. ND attempts to shake off the negative heritage of the failed venture of the University Police – a plan that, although he went to recruitment, never worked in practice.
The presence of the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoid, at today’s meeting, He emphasizes that the plan “Law and Class in HEIs” is now a inter -party betting of the government staff.
Internal and outward fronts
Meeting also comes in a period that flaps The debate on the entry of international universities In Greece – a policy that the opposition considers to undermine public HEIs.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis recalled that ’12+1 International Institutions have already expressed interest’ For branches in the country, stressing the need to “upgrade the overall image of the Greek University”.
As all indicate, security in HEIs converted to a new field of conflict Between the government and a university community – with the meeting in Maximus to be only the first episode in a long and multilevel negotiation.