YÖK decides on investigation into the banner crisis at Yeditepe University graduation

An incident that occurred during the graduation ceremony of Yeditepe University Faculty of Law, located in İstanbul, caused a huge reaction on social media. During the event, it was claimed that a banner featuring a verse from the Quran was opened and some students attempted to cover it up. Following the rapid spread of the footage regarding the incident, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced that it had launched an official investigation into the matter. Various criticisms and claims emerged on social media suggesting that the university exhibited an anti-faith attitude. This controversial situation became an agenda item that mobilized both the university administration and the public.

In a written statement made by the Council of Higher Education regarding the issue, it was emphasized that an investigation was launched due to the incidents that occurred during the graduation ceremony and were reflected in the public. In its statement, YÖK reminded that universities are exceptional institutions where different views and beliefs freely coexist. It was firmly stated that there could be no tolerance for any violation of the rights to belief, expression, and education of young people, which are constitutionally guaranteed. The Board drew attention to the importance of protecting freedom of belief and announced that necessary steps would be taken regarding the process. This statement demonstrated that the incident was not limited to the university level but also came under the scrutiny of national educational authorities.

Following the repercussions of the incident, Yeditepe University also made a detailed public statement on the matter. The university administration stated that the images from the graduation ceremony created a perception targeting their corporate reputation, expressing that they found the situation saddening. According to initial assessments, it was claimed that the tension among the students was not based on the verse content of the banner, but rather on a personal issue. The statement emphasized that there was no institutional obstacle to the banner being opened, but that the reaction shown and the intervention attempt were incompatible with the university's values. The university explicitly stated that disrespect towards any sacred values or beliefs is unacceptable.

The university administration also firmly rejected the claims of an anti-Islamic attitude spreading on social media. It was stated that Yeditepe University has remained loyal to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, national and spiritual values, freedom of belief, and academic freedom since the day it was founded. In the statement, pointing out that the words Allah and Muhammed have been written in Kufic script at the entrance doors of the main campus buildings since its foundation, it was noted that these claims were of a slanderous nature. Additionally, it was added that it was out of the question for the university to express any opinion or make any statement regarding an ongoing criminal case currently pending in the judiciary. The institution emphasized that it would continue to be one of the strongest guarantors of freedom of belief and thought.

In order to prevent a recurrence of this incident, the necessary administrative investigation was immediately initiated by the university administration. It was announced that the relevant protocols and rules would be reviewed to prevent similar crises in future graduation ceremonies. The university administration stated that they aim for all graduates to celebrate this special day seamlessly and with dignity, but that the incident overshadowed this joy. How the investigation process initiated by YÖK will conclude and what sanctions the administrative investigation will result in became a matter of curiosity. The incident sparked a broad debate on how the boundaries of freedom of expression and belief rights in universities should be, and how such events should be managed.