The University Central Student Council (CSC), along with the local student councils, submitted on April 17 a petition letter which calls for a mass promotion and the end of the current academic term.
“While we recognize the efforts of the University in ensuring that all academic goals are met, we remain firm with our belief that during these extraordinary times, the welfare of the whole community is of utmost priority,” CSC said in the statement.
Last April 8, the University issued an Institutional Continuity Plan during Extended and Post-Enhanced Community Quarantine which mandates the resumption of online classes amid the extension of enhanced community quarantine.
Based on conducted surveys and gathered student grievances, the Council cited as the bases of their appeal the accessibility to stable internet, availability of learning resources, conduciveness of learning environment, health concerns, students’ safety, and financial problems.
“From the given sets of concerns, we cannot deny the fact that this pandemic has affected a lot of families in more than one way,” CSC said.
“At this very moment, it would not be beneficial for the general population to be preoccupied with the burdens of formal academic learning which may later on also have repercussions on one’s mental or psychosocial health,” they added.
The student councils also urged the University administrators to “halt all forms of disciplinary actions given to students who are voicing out their concerns” as these complaints were only a manifestation of the student body’s demand for revisions in the continuity plan.
“In these extraordinary times, it will be of no help to give disciplinary measures to students who are calling for changes for the welfare of the student body,” CSC said. “Now is not the time for this.”
At the end of the statement, the student councils encouraged the entire student body to remain critical and prudent at the present time.
“Although we recognize the significance of free speech,” they said. “Freedom of speech, however, is not absolute. And like any human right, free speech carries with it responsibilities.”
“In the very essence of the existence of student councils, we are here to uphold your rights and welfare. Trust that your councils stand for what is right, honorable, just, and true,” they added.
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