Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) declared support and solidarity with Central European University and expressed deep concern at recently adopted legislative changes to CEU’s status in Hungary.
“These changes would not only endanger and complicate CEU’s continued operation in Budapest but also would strike a blow against the academic freedom, unrestricted and open intellectual exchange that enables all universities to flourish”, it is being stated in the document addressed to His Excellency Janos Ader, President of the Republic of Hungary.
The letter of support, signed by the KTU’s Rector Petras Baršauskas, the Head of the Senate Rytis Krušinskas and the President of Student Union Lukas Kijauskas, was sent to the Hungary’s highest official on 6 April.
In the document, the global reputation of CEU as one of the most important higher education institutions not only in Hungary, but also in Europe is being emphasised. It is being pointed out that with students and faculty members from more than 100 countries, this university has become a distinctive international academic and intellectual hub for teaching and research.
“We respectfully urge you to act on your Presidential prerogative and send the Bill to the Constitutional Court of Hungary where all possible concerns regarding its legality and constitutionality can be appropriately reviewed to protect the proud tradition of Hungarian academic life and preserve its autonomy and freedom”, the document concludes.
At the moment, around 1 400 students from more than 100 countries are studying at CEU. According to QS University Rankings by Subject 2017, CEU ranks 42 in the world in politics studies and research.
KTU is one of many international partners of CEU.
