Philosophical faculty deans call for education minister’s resignation

The deans of all ten of the country’s philosophical faculties have called on Prime Minister Petr Nečas to dismiss Education Minister Josef Dobeš. In an open letter to the prime minister, the deans criticize the education minister for his failure to prepare quality legislation that would overhaul the university system as well as his refusal to directly discuss such matters with university representatives. They added that the Education Ministry has demonstrated it is unable to provide financial stability to universities. Philosophical faculties especially should be committed to social responsibility, freedom of speech and a firm stance on citizens’ rights, the deans‘ association writes. In late February, thousands of students, professors and university administrators had taken to the streets for a weeklong protest against a proposed education reform.