Students of the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV) in Rabat launched an open strike on Monday to protest plans to demolish several campus dormitories as part of a road expansion project.
They are also planning to hold a protest today at 5 p.m. to express their concerns about the demolition decision, which was “made without prior notice or official clarification about the timeline or their future as current residents,” according to a statement from the IAV student office.
Following two protests earlier last week and a three-day strike on Thursday the 19th, Friday the 20th, and Saturday the 21st, students are “now awaiting another meeting with the administration to discuss viable alternatives and solutions in response to the demolition plan”— which is expected to “affect the academic and living conditions of over 1,500 students.”
An IAV student, speaking anonymously to Hespress English, explained that “the decision to demolish the dormitories is part of a 2030 development plan. This plan involves expanding the road, which will impact several dormitories—mainly buildings 5, 4, 10, 9, and 11.”
The same student added that, “although the administration initially did not respond, they eventually held a meeting with the students.”
He said that “at first, the students only requested a discussion about alternative housing options, such as a new dormitory and temporary accommodations to cover the period between demolishing the old dorm and building the new one.”
However, the student said that “their first meeting failed to produce any concrete solutions, describing the administration’s responses as lacking seriousness.”
IAV students previously rejected any decision made without their involvement, knowledge, or invitation to dialogue, stressing their right to be part of the decision-making process.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.