The suspended students, along with their peers, sought to express their dissatisfaction with what they described as an arbitrary and unjust decision by the university administration.
Harper, Maryland County – A peaceful protest at the William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County, turned violent as students were allegedly brutalized by joint security forces acting on orders from the university administration. The protest was sparked by the suspension of 15 students without a thorough investigation, which many views as a violation of both the university’s policies and the Liberian Constitution.
The students had gathered to peacefully exercise their constitutional right to assembly under Article 17, which guarantees citizens the freedom to peacefully assemble and petition government functionaries. The suspended students, along with their peers, sought to express their dissatisfaction with what they described as an arbitrary and unjust decision by the university administration.
Background of the Suspension
The controversy began when the administration, headed by Dr. Olu Menjay, suspended 15 students, accusing them of disruptive behavior on campus. The suspended students alleged that their actions were misunderstood, claiming they were simply advocating for better conditions and transparency at the university. Critics argue that the administration’s decision to suspend the students without due process was a direct violation of the university handbook and Article 15(e) of the Liberian Constitution, which protects freedom of expression unless restricted by judicial action.
The Protest and the Violence
The protest unfolded on the university campus, with students reportedly chanting slogans and holding signs to demand justice. Eyewitness accounts claim the demonstration was peaceful until the university administration called in the joint security forces, including officers from the Liberia National Police and other local security personnel.
According to several students present at the scene, the security forces resorted to physical violence to disperse the crowd. Protesters were allegedly beaten with batons, dragged across the ground, and some even detained without cause. Reports suggest that several students sustained injuries, including bruises and fractures, and were rushed to local health facilities for treatment.
Reaction from the Administration
Dr. Olu Menjay, President of Tubman University, reportedly defended the decision to involve security forces, stating that the students’ actions constituted a “chanting battle cry” that disrupted campus peace. Critics have labeled this justification as baseless, emphasizing that no evidence has been presented to support claims of aggression or threats posed by the students.
Student Leaders Speak Out
The leadership of the Tubman University Student Union (TUSU) condemned the administration’s actions, describing them as an attack on fundamental human rights. “We are not criminals. We are students advocating for fairness and respect for due process,” said a representative of the suspended students.
The students have vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations until justice is served. They are calling for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended students, a public apology from the administration, and an independent investigation into the alleged abuses.
Public Outrage and Legal Implications
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, human rights groups, and local community leaders. Many are calling on the government to intervene and ensure accountability for the violence.
Legal experts have also weighed in, emphasizing that the university’s actions could face legal challenges for violating constitutional rights. The administration’s decision to involve security forces, leading to the alleged assault of peaceful protesters, is seen as a troubling precedent for academic institutions in Liberia.
What’s Next?
As tensions escalate, the Tubman University campus remains a focal point of national discourse on governance, accountability, and human rights. The suspended students have expressed their determination to seek redress through all available legal channels
