In response to the statement from the media office of the Lebanese University, the official committee of hourly contracted professors at the Lebanese University issued the following statement:
First: The official committee of hourly contracted professors at the Lebanese University confirms that the strike announced starting tomorrow, Monday, is ongoing as stated in today's announcement.
Second: The official committee represents all hourly contracted professors within democratic frameworks, and all of its members hold advanced degrees; therefore, it denounces being labeled as “some groups.” It also urges those responsible in the media office not to involve the esteemed presidency of the university using terms and phrases that are not appropriate in the communication among fellow professors.
Third: The official committee of hourly contracted professors at the Lebanese University appeals to all deans, directors, and department heads not to intimidate contracted professors, threaten them with contract termination, or unjustly deny them their positions; this is because they are demanding their basic rights, which include the approval of a fair tenure file, an increase in the hourly rate, productivity compensation, and transportation allowances.
Fourth: The committee emphasizes the necessity of solidarity, cooperation, mutual support, and standing together behind their rightful demands, which are expressed within the legitimate democratic frameworks guaranteed by the constitution, law, and all international treaties.
Fifth: The committee hopes that His Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Abbas Halabi will understand their decision, filled with pain and disappointment regarding the state of affairs, and not consider it directed against him. Rather, the aim is to encourage him and his team to continue working on preparing a tenure file based on clear, transparent criteria that can be approved by the Council of Ministers.
