Threat to Stop Teaching in Defense of the University and Its Professors!

The Committee of Hourly Contracted Faculty at the Lebanese University addressed a letter to the Association of Full-Time Faculty, urging them to "take a united union position in defense of the university and its professors," noting that "at this critical juncture in the matter of contracting faculty full-time, after more than twelve years of waiting, reviews, and mobilizations, we turn to the Association of Full-Time Faculty and all our fellow professors, grounded in our belief that the university and its faculty are a shared responsibility, and that what unites us as members of the university surpasses any differences in roles or positions."

In a statement, the committee said, "The issue of full-time employment is not just about contracted faculty; it is about the Lebanese University’s academic stability and future. After years of prolonged waiting, what is now required is not merely reaffirming the importance of this file, but translating our commitment to the university and the well-being of its faculty into a concrete, impactful union action capable of driving the complete approval of the file, including all names meeting the criteria."

It added, "Therefore, we look forward to the Association taking, based on its role and union responsibilities, whatever steps and positions it deems appropriate—up to and including strike action and cessation of teaching and academic work—which would constitute serious pressure to end delays and finalize the file once and for all."

It concluded: "Contracted and full-time faculty have proven they are all essential parts of the university’s academic body. Today, the university needs this integration to be translated into a clear stance affirming that fairness for faculty and protection of the university are responsibilities that can no longer be delayed. This is a moment that could mark the beginning of a new chapter titled solidarity, integration, and unified position... The university is stronger when its faculty are integrated, and the university’s interest unites us all."