Student group criticizes blockage at university

A student collective has criticized the ongoing blockage at the Faculty of Letters in Besançon, which began on September 29 and was extended until October 23 after a general assembly on October 13.

Teaching nearly halted by the blockage

The blockage has caused a near-complete stop in teaching activities, leaving students without most of their classes for more than two weeks, according to the open letter issued by the collective.

Students question the assembly's legitimacy

The letter challenges the legitimacy of the general assembly’s decision to extend the blockage, questioning whether those involved have the democratic authority to impose their views on students who disagree.

Criticism of methods used by student groups

The open letter criticizes the tactics used by organizations that claim to support democracy, equality, and student rights, arguing that these methods infringe on the basic freedoms of other students.

General assembly not a referendum, letter says

The letter emphasizes that a general assembly is not a referendum and cannot claim to represent all students of the faculty, highlighting the limitations of its decision-making power.

Concerns about university's role in the crisis

The student collective raises concerns about the university presidency's role in allowing the blockage to continue and calls for actions to ensure students can access their classes without disruption.

Impact on students' lives beyond politics

The letter highlights the varied situations of affected students, including those who work to support their studies or rely on scholarships, stressing that the consequences of the blockage go beyond political symbolism.

Call for university to address teaching access

The open letter urges the university presidency to publicly address the conditions under which students can access teaching and to outline planned measures, emphasizing that the right to study is not negotiable.