The Montenegrin Education Union expressed profound disappointment regarding what they termed an unfortunate incident at the “Miloje Dobrašinović” Gymnasium on Thursday, where security personnel allegedly attempted to remove retiring professor Nova Vuković from a classroom, fully visible to the students present.

This situation, set against a backdrop of widespread criticism of teachers from parents, students, and school administrators, reveals significant flaws in our education system, the Education Union emphasized.

The union urged the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation to conduct an investigation into the incident and assess if the security guard overstepped their authority while addressing the evident misuse of power.

“The effort to eject a teacher from their classroom in front of students instills anxiety in any reasonable citizen. Forcing (or arresting) a teacher in such a manner, as if they were a fugitive, is unacceptable in Montenegrin schools,” the Education Union stated in their media release. They highlighted that this occurrence underscores the lack of protection afforded to teachers, even in the classroom, where, according to legal standards, they are entitled to autonomy and security.

“This incident illustrates that violence is deeply ingrained in Montenegrin society, and unfortunately, it is spilling into educational institutions. It appears that resorting to violence has become a common way to settle disagreements or differing perspectives.”

“Without delving into the legalities surrounding whether the teacher should have taken a leave prior to retirement, or whether the security guard was merely obeying the director’s orders or acting independently, the Education Union of Montenegro condemns this treatment of a teacher nearing retirement. School leaders must exhibit greater sensitivity when addressing delicate matters within their staff. We look forward to reforms in the General Law on Education that will incorporate assessments of managerial and organizational capabilities for future school directors,” the statement added.

The Education Union also noted that this incident should prompt the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation to reevaluate and standardize the responsibilities of security personnel in schools.

“Failing to provide adequate training for security personnel, besides relying on violence prevention assistants who have received some child-focused training, may present a rash decision by the Ministry,” it cautioned.

The union reiterated its call for the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation to not only look into the incident but also ensure accountability for any misuse of power by the security guard involved.

“The Education Trade Union of Montenegro is committed to advocating for the safeguarding of staff in the workplace and providing all possible support to teachers facing violence, irrespective of their union membership status,” the statement concluded.

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