The director of Sciences Po Paris, Luis Vassy, defended his management of the institution on Wednesday morning, which has been contested by some students and faculty. A guest on France Inter radio, he asserted that "Sciences Po does not engage in politics" and remains above all "a space of freedom" where "free speech is encouraged."
Appointed to head the institution in 2024, the former diplomat maintains that the establishment is going through a period of debate but not crisis. "Sciences Po is neither right nor left," he insisted, rejecting criticism of its governance, which some members of the academic community consider too top-down.
Tensions arise after the evacuation of an amphitheater
The controversy intensified after dozens of students occupied a lecture hall in April to protest the Yadan bill on antisemitism. The administration then called in the police to end the blockade, a decision denounced by some faculty members.
Luis Vassy acknowledges that the police intervention always constitutes "a form of failure," but believes it was necessary to ensure the continuity of classes after the breakdown of discussions with the occupants. He also deplores the personal attacks he says he has been subjected to in recent months.
The government provides its support
A few minutes after this intervention, the Minister of Higher Education, Philippe Baptiste, expressed his support for the director of Sciences Po on franceinfo. According to him, Luis Vassy helped restore "a sense of calm" within the institution.
The minister also rejected accusations of authoritarianism leveled against the director, reiterating that blockades and occupations of premises are not part of the normal functioning of a higher education institution. While he defends freedom of expression and political debate in universities, Philippe Baptiste states that he is not in favor of "violence and blockades."
A call for calm
Faced with persistent tensions, Luis Vassy is now calling on all stakeholders at Sciences Po to resume dialogue. Faculty members have recently put forward several proposals to improve relations between the administration, students, and academic staff.
The director stated his commitment to the autonomy of higher education and believes that disagreements should be able to be expressed respectfully. "I urge everyone to remain calm," he declared, hoping to put the clashes that marked the academic year behind them.
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