By Moses J. Dawoe
-Maryland (freelance)
Rising tensions at William V.S. Tubman University (WVSTU), Liberia’s second state-run university, have escalated after the administration suspended 15 students for one academic semester.
The affected students are Paul Blayon, Jefferson Wah, Joseph G. Dickson, Anthony Prince P. Nyanneh, Stephanie G. Monroe, Jaymous G. Morris, Justina Gaysue, Eric W.W. Clark, Simeon S. Toe, Amos J. Freeman, David G. Kpehe, Sandra Nimely, Emmanuel G. Doryen, and Elizabeth Stevens.
The suspension, announced on December 5, 2024, has drawn backlash from the Student Unification Alliance (SUA), a prominent campus political party, which has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the reversal of the decision and the lifting of a campus-wide ban on political activities.
In a press statement, SUA, led by its political leader, Blayon, called the suspensions “unjust” and accused the university administration of suppressing students’ rights.
Mr. Blayon argued that the affected students were penalized for wearing SUA emblems, singing revolutionary songs, and alleged allegation of disrupting an Oath and Honoring Program at the Tubman Pavilion on November 28.
Mr. Blayon claimed the administration’s allegations lack evidence and are an attempt to tarnish the reputations of student leaders while infringing on their constitutional rights.
“These allegations are baseless and unfounded,” Blayon stated.
He added that the SUA would escalate its response if the administration fails to meet its demands within the 48-hour timeline.
The university’s administration defended its decision, stating that the students violated Section 11.20.5 of the Student Handbook, which prescribes suspension for behavior deemed disruptive.
“This decision was made to preserve order and maintain a peaceful learning environment,” the administration said in its official release.
The administration also highlighted that the suspensions align with an existing moratorium on campus-based political activities introduced on October 5, 2022.
The moratorium followed violent clashes between the SUA and the Tubman University Concerned Movement (TUCSM), which resulted in injuries and damage to university’s property, including the student center.
The administration reiterated its position, stating that the ban on political activities was enacted to prevent further violence and safeguard the university’s community.
However, the SUA and other critics argue that the ban stifles students’ rights to free expression.
Despite the ban, the administration claims that some students have continued to violate university policy by staging protests and wearing party emblems without prior approval from the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Services.
The suspended students are barred from attending classes for the current semester but may return in the following semester if they adhere to the ban and university regulations.
In its release, the administration emphasized that these measures are intended to maintain peace on campus.
“This decision was necessary to ensure a safe learning environment for all students,” the statement concluded.
As the SUA’s ultimatum looms, the situation at WVSTU remains tense, with many watching to see if the administration will reconsider its decision or face further students’ unrest.
