October 19, 2026
The issue of the vacancy of contract professors at the Lebanese University is heading towards further escalation, following the announcement by the Contract Professors Committee of the continuation of the open strike in all university branches, and linking its next protest steps to the outcomes of the upcoming government session, in conjunction with a call to organize a mass sit-in to accompany its holding.
The committee explained in a statement issued by it that it appreciates the efforts made to address the issue of sabbaticals, but it stressed that “promises are no substitute for decisions,” stressing that the movement will continue until justice is done to the professors and their outstanding rights are fully recognized.
In a related context, and in response to the recent statements of the Minister of Education, Rima Karami, from Baabda Palace, the committee called for the necessity of including the sabbatical file and approving it in the first session of the Council of Ministers to be held in the presence of the President of the Republic, without any procrastination or additional postponement.
The committee concluded by emphasizing the importance of class unity and solidarity among all colleagues in the various branches of the Lebanese University, calling on them to fully commit to the strike and to accompany the government session with a massive sit-in to pressure the completion of this file, which it described as “long-awaited,” provided that the compass for subsequent movements is determined based on the results of the session and in consultation with the broad base of contract professors.
