Resolution on Protecting the Freedom of Expression and Participation of Students in Slovakia and across Europe

Strong and independent student representation, free academic debate, and the right to civic expression and opinion are foundational to democratic, inclusive and flourishing education systems and democracy across Europe.

In Slovakia, these fundamental principles are under increasing pressure. We can now see rising tensions in the public sphere, where polarization, hostile rhetoric, and political pressure increasingly affect young people and students who speak up. Students’ push efforts to express opinions in public spaces, engage in civic debate, and use creative forms of public expression, yet their contributions are met with growing hostility, hateful rhetoric and attempts to delegitimize their voice by certain government representatives.

Including the most recent efforts, the “chalk revolution,” in which students used chalk on pavements and crossings to voice their concerns, demonstrated a strong civic spirit and desire for democratic engagement. Despite its peaceful and symbolic nature, the reaction from some government actors included dismissive or mocking comments that sought to undermine the legitimacy of student participation in public discourse.

There are many similar cases of students voicing opinions and facing disproportionate responses from those in power. When a student speaks up, expresses a personal view or makes a symbolic civic gesture, they are increasingly subjected to public dismissal, ridicule or attempts to discredit them. A notable example is the high-school carnival in which students dressed as elderly people. In effect, this event has brought attention to social policies that disproportionately cater for the elderly while the needs of the young generation are being largely ignored. They were subsequently subject to sharp public criticism from government representatives. 

These reactions send a deeply troubling message. Requests for dialogue are dismissed and those who express criticism are exposed to public attacks. This practice has become a norm in Slovakia and threatens the democratic dialogue and student participation in the public discourse.

This tendency is also evident in broader political decisions and symbolic gestures that weaken democratic culture. One example is the recent attempt to remove or downplay the significance of 17 November in Slovakia, which is the day dedicated to celebrating the Fight for Freedom and Democracy. This date holds profound historical meaning, as it commemorates the Velvet Revolution and the student-led movements that contributed to the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. The events in Slovakia started the day before on 16th of November, driven by students who marched through Bratislava calling for dialogue, reforms and democratic rights. Any effort to diminish or politically reinterpret this holiday represents an attempt to erode the legacy of student civic engagement and democratic mobilisation.

While this situation is specific to Slovakia, similar narratives discrediting young people’s voices can be observed across Europe. The Slovak case is therefore part of a broader challenge in which student participation and academic spaces are increasingly targeted by political discourse.

ŠRVŠ and ESU therefore:

–         Stands firmly with Slovak students and asserts their right to express opinions, participate in civic life, and engage in democratic processes without being subjected to ridicule, verbal attacks or attempts to delegitimize their contributions.

–        Condemns the growing use of disparaging and derogatory rhetoric toward students in Slovakia and calls on Slovak public officials to refrain from such behavior, to respect the dignity of young people, and to acknowledge students as legitimate and essential actors in democratic society.

– Affirms that vibrant, respected and independent student participation is indispensable for a functioning democracy, and emphasises that attempts to silence or discredit young people weaken not only higher education but also the democratic processes and institutions that rely on informed and engaged citizens.

–        Urges Slovak educational institutions and civil society to actively safeguard student rights, counteract negative political discourses directed at young people, and foster environments where students feel safe, respected and encouraged to participate in public debate.

–         Reaffirms that these developments mirror broader trends across Europe, and commits ESU to monitoring these patterns, supporting all European students, and advocating at the European level for the protection of student expression, participation and academic freedom.