The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans aims to provide a comprehensive review of youth-related public policy documents from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia such as strategies, action plans, and laws.
The Analysis is focused on three key areas identified as particularly relevant to youth in the WB context:
Socio-economic field: employment, education, and sexual and reproductive health of youth
Youth participation: civic and political engagement, social inclusion, and the involvement of youth in decision-making processes
Media, culture and the digital world: youth media and digital literacy, critical thinking, youth participation in creating inclusive cultural policies
By integrating youth perspectives into all stages of policy development and implementation, the Analysis aims to ensure that youth voices are not just heard but are central to shaping the future of the region. This document formulated actionable recommendations intended for discussion among policy makers, CSOs, national youth councils, youth organizations, political party youth forums, and experts during the policy lab dialogue sessions. The policy labs aim to improve the dialogue between young people and representatives of institutions, contribute to strengthening the engagement of young people in political, social, and economic processes and cultural life, and jointly discuss the recommendations for improving public policies relevant to young people in the region.
We have to join our efforts and try to find a solution to motivate young people to participate in political and social processes and to improve the framework that enables them to do so!
The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans was conducted within the framework of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project funded by the European Union and led by the Center for Democracy Foundation from Serbia, in collaboration with partnering civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans: the Academy of European Integrations and Negotiations (Albania), Youth Act Center (Albania), Kosovar Stability Initiative (Kosovo*1), Network of Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), NGO Info Center Foundation (North Macedonia), and the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia).
The Regional Academy for Democracy Development (ADD) and the Network of Progressive Initiatives (MPI) are successfully implementing the project “Development of a Just Transition Model for Coal Workers in Lazarevac and Tuzla,” supported by the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation from Finland and the Progress Institute from North Macedonia. The project aimed to assist workers from the mines in these two cities in transitioning to green industries and jobs, while maintaining the economic and social stability of communities reliant on the mining industry.
Conducted from May to November 2024, the project included research among employees in the two mines, providing insights into workers’ views on retraining, and a series of roundtables with workers, unions, local government representatives, and community stakeholders. During workshops and webinars, workers were informed about retraining opportunities and available resources. The public will be presented with a just transition model, offering a roadmap for the gradual transition of workers into green industries.
The anticipated outcomes are set to provide coal industry workers with a sense of security as they prepare for the planned reduction in coal production between 2030 and 2050, mandated by the Paris Agreement signed by the Republic of Serbia. Trust in institutions, including the Serbian government, relevant ministries, and local authorities, particularly the City of Belgrade, is essential, alongside an increased awareness among workers and communities of both the challenges and benefits associated with just transition models and the creation of green jobs.
The project also supported the capacity building of all participants involved, including workers, national and local governments, unions, employers, the civil sector, and local communities, to facilitate an effective transition. Collaboration with experts in economic and just transition, unions, and the green energy sector laid the foundation for creating educational programs that will improve workers’ employability in emerging industries.
The success of this project significantly contributes to the fight for social justice, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable growth through a fair and inclusive approach to energy transition.
Organized by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development and supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the “Only YES Means YES” conference was held on October 15 and 16. The event focused on an initiative to amend the legal definition of rape in Western Balkan countries so that any sexual act without consent is defined as rape.
Project coordinators Mija Javornik and Aleksandra Jerkov stated that both regional cooperation and collaboration among various parties, the NGO sector, and institutions are crucial for the success of this initiative. They agreed that the path to adopting these legal amendments will not be simple or quick, but examples from the region show that, through joint efforts, laws can be changed to ensure that victims of sexual violence have guaranteed access to justice.
The second panel, dedicated to the cooperation between the NGO sector, political parties, and institutions in the decision-making process, featured speakers Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education; Biljana Stepanov from the Women’s Support Center in Serbia; Jovana Trenčevska, Member of Parliament in North Macedonia and former Minister of Social Protection; and Gentiana Shushaj, Director of ESD in Albania.
Daliborka Uljarević stated that it is difficult to expect a higher level of public awareness and mobilization to protect women from violence when even those expected to be the most progressive often downplay such incidents. She cited as an example the recent decision of the Ethics Committee at the University of Montenegro, which accepted a sexist approach by Professor Aleksandar Stamatović. Uljarević emphasized that, although there is a solid legal framework, in practice, we encounter so-called “hibernating laws”—laws that are passed quickly but have many flaws, with broad acknowledgment that much improvement is needed. She concluded that only a small number of parliamentarians address this issue, and that regional cooperation and experience-sharing are crucial for progress.
Uljarević also observed that academia, where progressive views might be expected, is often no exception, as some professors engage in sexism, and society fails to condemn it. She highlighted that it is especially disheartening that many women working in universities must operate in such environments. Finally, she stressed that civil society has a responsibility to change these contexts, commending the handbook developed from this program as a valuable tool for further efforts.
Biljana Stepanov highlighted that Serbia ratified the Istanbul Convention in 2013 solely due to the efforts and lobbying of non-governmental organizations. She emphasized that 2014 and 2015 were critical years for amending the Criminal Code, but the democratic potential for changing the legal definition of rape was not utilized then, making the task ten times harder today. According to her, it is unacceptable to discuss the definition of rape without considering the message being conveyed.
Stepanov pointed out that the GREVIO Committee has raised concerns about hate speech and discrimination, adding that Serbia should address this by revising or reformulating other parts of the Criminal Code. She explained that NGOs have repeatedly attempted to amend the law and submitted requests, most recently two months ago, when they called for a new study. She also highlighted issues with Serbia’s three different definitions of family, leading to varying statuses depending on the legal process. Stepanov called for legislative alignment, noting that the Criminal Code does not recognize all family members the same way as the Family Law, which offers the most comprehensive definition.
She pointed out that the Ministry of Justice’s working group has just completed amendments to the Criminal Code, creating an opportunity for political actors and experts to reevaluate and initiate further changes. Stepanov reminded that the CEDAW Committee issued several recommendations to Serbia in 2018, which remain unaddressed, as do similar recommendations from GREVIO in the same year. She added that Serbia still lacks an action plan for combating violence against women and a centralized data system to monitor progress. Despite having 17 different criminal offenses related to violence, public attention remains solely focused on domestic violence, while other offenses go unmentioned.
She also noted that the state has yet to submit a report to the GREVIO Committee, despite efforts by NGOs to increase pressure on the government. Stepanov concluded that mechanisms of sexual violence are evolving, and society must change its approach—the burden should be on the perpetrator to prove their innocence, rather than the victim to prove their suffering. The law must recognize and support victims, and NGOs should be key partners in this process. Stepanov also highlighted that Serbia can learn from Croatia’s model, where the state has taken responsibility for funding support for victims of sexual violence, and she mentioned that an analysis of judicial practices is currently being completed to provide insights into the extent of rape and other forms of violence. She emphasized that the role of parliamentarians is crucial, yet NGOs are insufficiently involved in the legislative process because MPs may not know who to consult. Connecting social actors is essential to ensure that laws are not only adopted but also effectively implemented.
Jovana Trenčevska, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Labor and Social Policy in North Macedonia, highlighted her experience in the executive branch and political party, as well as the work of NGOs that have systematically begun to address gender equality. According to her, the key questions are whether the government has the vision and capacity to coordinate changes and whether it involves all relevant stakeholders or only select ones. Trenčevska noted that when SDSM was in power, North Macedonia prioritized the status of women and gender equality. Although the Istanbul Convention was signed in 2011, it was not ratified until 2017, and she emphasized that this document challenges societal stereotypes, making consensus on necessary changes harder to achieve. Currently, a new Criminal Code is in the process of being adopted, and Trenčevska believes that, by 2025, through joint work with civil society, the necessary legislative changes will be implemented. She particularly emphasized the role of NGOs and experts in this process. In her view, a broad civil society network in the country is essential, as is having gender equality services funded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. She also stressed the importance of seeking consensus and involving all political parties in the gender equality process, expressing hope that progressive forces in parliament will not allow any regression in this area.
Gentiana Susaj, Director of ESD Albania and Head of ESD Europe, began her presentation with an interactive exercise. She emphasized that this approach is essential when we aim to adopt new behaviors and learning concepts, as it’s important to integrate them into everyday practice. She highlighted five key principles: think, shout, fight, run, and tell, to shift mindsets and promote a safer society. During the exercise, she asked participants to observe the room around them and consider whether they noticed something they hadn’t before. She underscored the importance of being aware of “red flags” and taking action when we notice potential danger. Susaj discussed the significance of assertiveness, setting boundaries, and using one’s voice to protect oneself and create safe environments. One of the essential principles, according to her, is “to tell”—meaning that it’s always possible to confide in someone. She stressed the importance of listening to victims without judgment and creating safe spaces. Susaj pointed out that 95% of girls freeze when faced with danger, making it crucial to know what to do in such situations. Educating bystanders and authorities, she noted, is key to building safer communities. In Albania, ESD collaborates with schools through a pilot program, and a regulatory act is currently implemented in 60 schools. They have trained teachers and conducted trainer workshops, aiming to make the program national and available in other countries, including partnerships with shelters.
In Podgorica today, the Regional Academy for Democratic Development, with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, is hosting the “Only YES Means YES” conference. This event is dedicated to the initiative aimed at amending the legal definition of rape in Western Balkan countries so that any sexual act without consent is defined as rape.
At today’s first panel, speakers included Andreja Katič, Minister of Justice of Slovenia; Oliver Spasovski, former three-term Minister of Police of North Macedonia; Jelena Čelebić Pekić, Vice President of the Sarajevo Canton; Zoja Bojanić Lalović, Member of Parliament in Montenegro; Yasmin Qureshi, Member of the UK Parliament and Chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy Board; Slavica Radovanović, Member of the National Assembly of Serbia; Silva Çaka, Member of Parliament in Albania; and Fatmire Kolçaku, Member of Parliament in Kosovo. The panel was moderated by Mija Javornik, project coordinator.
Minister Andreja Katič stated that sexual offenses represent one of the most severe forms of gender-based violence. She shared that, as with any significant social shift, the conversation on this topic in Slovenia was spurred by a highly publicized case, and the journey toward legislative change was a long one. Katič emphasized that, from the beginning of her tenure, she advocated for “Only YES Means YES” as a legal standard, stressing that this initiative is not solely about redefining criminal acts but also about driving societal change. Some critiques during the legislative process suggested that the law would lead to an increase in false accusations, interfere with sexual privacy, and many experts and political voices initially argued that changes were unnecessary. She expressed particular concern about judicial practices where courts focused on assessing the level of resistance by the victim or the force applied by the perpetrator, noting the extraordinary mitigating circumstances courts considered and the alarming number of suspended sentences issued.
Minister Katič highlighted that although she was unable to implement the law during her first term, the subsequent government succeeded in introducing the “Only YES Means YES” standard, thanks to groundwork laid by the Ministry of Justice and pressure from international and non-governmental organizations, as well as cross-party coalitions. She concluded by emphasizing that changing the law alone is insufficient; there must be a broader societal shift in attitudes toward rape and gender-based violence.
Oliver Spasovski, former three-term Minister of Police of North Macedonia, noted that violence remains a topic not widely discussed, as people tend to overlook what happens to others. He shared that research indicates that until a few years ago, most women perceived such issues as private matters best kept out of the public eye, with a prevailing sense that institutions could not offer help. However, he highlighted that a shift has occurred, thanks to the cooperation between institutions, the NGO sector, and cross-party collaboration. Spasovski emphasized that while the police play a crucial role in this process, they are not the only body that must respond, and police capacity has significantly increased in recent years.
He concluded by pointing out that there are always groups who believe the work on this issue is complete and call for halting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. These forces, growing throughout the region, are the same ones fueling nationalism. He stressed the collective responsibility to raise public awareness and encourage every person who has experienced or witnessed violence to report it. Spasovski also underscored the importance of education in this process.
Zoja Bojanić Lalović warned that violence is on the rise in Montenegro, extending beyond gender-based violence to a normalization of violence as a common way of communicating and functioning. She added that women in Montenegro are not equal in any segment of society, and while political parties nominally support gender equality, they do little to advance it in practice. She pointed to a recent decision by the appellate court to reduce the sentence of a rapist convicted of assaulting a minor from 15 to 8 years, a ruling that has burdened Montenegrin society and united both the NGO sector and political parties in protest. However, the appellate court rejected these concerns, explaining that the sentence falls within the legally prescribed range. Ms. Bojanić Lalović expressed concern over the lack of adequate legal protection for children, noting that sentences are often at the minimum required by law, penal policies are weak, processes are lengthy, and these issues provide little confidence to victims.
Jelena Čelebić Pekić stated that the conference centers around issues that affect everyone, and that the role of political parties and individuals within them is to be active participants in all societal changes. She emphasized that politicians are elected to amend laws and procedures, but also to raise awareness and fight violence on all fronts. She noted the importance of support from professionals, NGOs, and broad collaboration to bring about these changes. Čelebić Pekić added that politicians in our societies often lack public trust, making broader social cooperation essential. She highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina, after a five-year struggle, established a registry of pedophiles, which serves as a foundation and example for the upcoming fight to amend the legal definition of rape. She emphasized that lessons learned from this struggle and all experiences gained can be applied to the current efforts.
Silva Çaka from Albania stated that there is only one safe house for women in the entire country, which is far from sufficient to protect victims of domestic violence. She emphasized that there is inadequate protection for women and children who are victims of family violence. Çaka highlighted the crucial role of the international community in driving change, noting past instances where international support alone was instrumental in bringing about reforms. She concluded that changing mentality and social awareness in Albania will be challenging, emphasizing the need to revise terminology and that this is a responsibility for all societal actors.
Slavica Radovanović, a Member of the Serbian Parliament, shared her experiences as both a parliamentarian and a longtime inspector in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She expressed her own surprise at how often institutions lack sensitivity and fail to understand the needs of victims who come to them in extremely difficult situations. She noted that she has dedicated much of her career to training police officers and introducing protocols for handling cases of domestic violence. Radovanović emphasized that changing the legal definition of rape requires cooperation among all political parties, NGOs, and institutions—a challenge in Serbia, where such collaboration is difficult to achieve. She cited examples of proposed amendments or laws from the opposition that were rejected in parliament for this reason.
Radovanović underscored that adopting legislation is not the only task; often, Serbia has satisfactory legal frameworks, but implementation is lacking. She stressed the importance of developing mechanisms to monitor the enforcement of laws.
Fatmire Kolçaku, a Member of Parliament in Kosovo, explained that the Kosovo Criminal Code defines consent as “freely given agreement by a person over the age of 16 to a specific sexual act,” adding that the law also includes provisions for individuals over 14, provided the age difference between the parties does not exceed two years. She noted that the law explicitly states that consent is invalid when an individual, either verbally or through actions, expresses unwillingness to participate in or continue a sexual act, when consent is given by someone other than the victim, when consent is obtained through deception, fear, or intimidation, or when an individual is incapable of consenting due to diminished mental or physical capacity, or due to intoxication from alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Kolçaku also highlighted that the law does not explicitly require that consent be enthusiastic, leaving room for interpretation in situations where consent is less clearly expressed. She pointed out that current judicial practices in Kosovo often rely on outdated concepts, such as requiring physical resistance to prove a lack of consent, which places Kosovo outside modern standards that prioritize gender equality and victim safety. She stressed the need to reform legal definitions to reflect a broader understanding of consent, emphasizing affirmative, voluntary, and informed consent without the requirement of physical resistance. Additionally, she advocated for a victim-centered approach that includes testimony from psychological experts, which could help secure justice even in cases without physical evidence.
Yasmin Qureshi, a Member of the UK Parliament, stated that it is unsurprising that the challenges faced by countries in the region are remarkably similar, both in legal frameworks and social norms. She noted that rape is a crime that typically occurs in private, without witnesses, and is one of the few crimes where the victim’s credibility is questioned from the moment it is reported. Citing examples from the UK, she explained that early rape laws were initially viewed as part of legislation concerning male ownership. These norms have gradually evolved, and the UK now provides relatively robust protection for victims. However, she added that even in countries considered to have achieved high levels of human rights protection, obstacles remain. She referenced a recent case in France that has attracted global attention, where some defendants argued that the victim did not resist or explicitly say “no” during repeated assaults.
While significant progress has been made, Qureshi noted that the conviction rate remains low, which is cause for concern. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of changing societal attitudes and, particularly, educating young people about their own and others’ sexual rights.
We are pleased to announce the regional conference “Only YES Means YES,” which will take place on October 15-16, 2024, in Podgorica, Montenegro, at the Hotel Podgorica. This conference is a key event in our joint efforts to align legislative reforms across the Western Balkans with international standards, ensuring that every sexual act without explicit consent is legally defined as rape, in accordance with the Istanbul Convention.
Over the two days of the conference, panel discussions and sessions will cover the following topics:
– The necessity of legislative changes to define rape as an act without consent, – Challenges in implementing these legislative reforms, – The experiences of countries that have already enacted these reforms, – The role of political parties, civil society, and activists in supporting and advocating for these reforms.
The conference will feature the participation of officials, ministers, parliamentarians, activists, and experts from the region and beyond, who will contribute to the discussions and exchange of experiences.
The conference is organized by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development, with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Labour UK.
Join us in this crucial step toward a more just society and greater protection for survivors of sexual violence.
The Regional Academy for the Development of Democracy expresses serious concern regarding repeated voter migration manipulations, which pose an increasing risk to the stability of the Western Balkans. After similar scenarios were witnessed during elections in Serbia and Montenegro, voters are now being organized from Serbia to participate in the local elections in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This practice further undermines the already fragile democratic structure in the region, where Vučić’s regime uses its resources and networks to manipulate electoral processes in neighboring countries. During the elections in Srebrenica, a significant number of people from Serbia were observed arriving, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process and the intentions of these voters who do not reside in Srebrenica. According to information from the electoral commission, more voters have cast ballots than are registered.
The Regional Academy for the Development of Democracy calls on the international community to monitor and intervene in such situations to ensure transparency and respect for democratic principles. It is particularly important that the laws and standards of residence and citizenship are adhered to, ensuring that elections are fair and free.
Our region must not be held hostage by Vučić’s manipulation of weekend voters, which undermines democracy and threatens the peace and stability we have fought hard to achieve. We call on all relevant institutions, both in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to urgently address these irregularities and safeguard the integrity of democratic processes.
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the actions of the Serbian regime, both leading up to and on the day of the local elections in Podgorica and Kotor. Activists from the ruling SNS party were observed in jeeps, along with buses carrying dual-registered voters from Serbia. This reflects a migration of false voters with dual voting rights from Serbia. In addition to these illegal voters, activists from Vučić’s SNS pressured voters in Podgorica and Kotor before and during election day. This act constitutes direct interference in Montenegro’s electoral process and is a continuation of Vučić’s aggressive policy toward neighboring countries.
Aleksandar Vučić’s authoritarian regime, notorious for its abuses in election processes and voter migrations from Bosnia and Herzegovina into Serbia, now employs the same methods to undermine fair electoral conditions in Montenegro. Just as Milorad Dodik and voters from Republika Srpska cast irregular votes in Serbian elections, now SNS members are illegally voting in Montenegro. This dangerous precedent demonstrates Vučić’s intent to expand his political influence in the region, using the same irregularities and criminal methods that have become commonplace in Serbian elections.
According to state authorities, 14,000 more Serbian citizens entered Montenegro on election day compared to the same day last year. This interference not only violates Montenegro’s sovereignty but also poses a serious risk to good neighborly relations and regional stability. At a time when the region is attempting to move past a legacy of conflict and maintain peace, such actions deepen tensions and create a dangerous foundation for future conflicts. These electoral irregularities, orchestrated by Aleksandar Vučić’s regime, seriously threaten to undermine civil peace in Montenegro.
Aleksandar Vučić, a former propaganda minister under Slobodan Milošević’s regime, continues policies that jeopardize democratic processes, both in Serbia and neighboring states. ADD strongly condemns these practices, which not only distort the meaning of democratic elections but also represent aggression toward neighboring countries and destabilize the region.
We call on the international community and democratic governments in the EU to closely monitor the fragile situation in Montenegro and respond to these serious violations of peace, security, and democratic principles.
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the brutal physical assault on students and members of the informal group STAV from Novi Sad, which occurred in front of the Rectorate building. This incident, in which two students were injured after an explosive device was thrown at them, represents a direct attack on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, both of which are fundamental democratic rights.
We are particularly concerned by reports that the police, although present, did not respond adequately, nor did they identify the hooligans who displayed fascist messages aimed at the students. Such behavior by the authorities sends a dangerous message that physical violence against young people and activists is acceptable and goes unpunished. Given the recent targeting of STAV students by the Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vučević, today’s attack is even more dangerous for their safety and well-being.
We remind everyone that freedom of speech, assembly, and participation in democratic processes are the cornerstones of every free society.
We call on the relevant institutions, especially the police and the prosecutor’s office, to act urgently, conduct a thorough investigation, and prosecute all those responsible for this violent act. We also appeal to the University, professors, citizens, and the broader community to show solidarity with the students, defend their right to free expression, and condemn any form of violence against those who are fighting for their beliefs.
The Regional Academy for the Development of Democracy will continue to support the struggle to uphold democratic values and ensure the safety of all citizens, especially those who are targeted by violence and intimidation because of their social activism.
The harassment of Croatian singer Severina Vučković and her four-hour detention at the border between Croatia and Serbia is just the latest in a series of proofs that Serbia is taking on the shameful role it had in the region during the 1990s.
Severina Vučković is a woman who bravely fights against chauvinism, advocates for confronting the past, and uses her art and activism to build bridges among the countries of the region. Because of this, she has long been a target for all those who thrive on division, cultivate hatred, and profit from it. The Serbian Orthodox Church has been campaigning against her for a long time, and recently, due to her political views—particularly those on the genocide in Srebrenica and her support for Montenegro—she has come under fire from regime-controlled media in Serbia. This de facto violation of Severina Vučković’s right to work because she holds opinions that the regime does not like demonstrates that our country is led by people who do not recognize the rulings of international courts, who are reinstating the criminal offense of verbal delict, and who will ruthlessly retaliate against anyone who is politically inconvenient for any reason.
This is an attack on freedom of speech and a specific message to the citizens of Serbia, especially those of Croatian nationality, that there are rules in Serbia and that the regime determines what is allowed and what is not. Vučić’s regime has drawn a clear line that nothing will be tolerated except the level of war politics of the 1990s and the “culture” of Baja Mali Knindža. Serbia remains a lonely province and an isolated island in the Balkans with high walls raised against everything Western and European. This will continue as long as the autocratic regime remains in power.
The disgraceful and brutal attack by the Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vučević, on the student from Novi Sad, Mila Pajić, is the latest example of dishonor, arrogance, and autocracy. The Prime Minister, who attacked an activist from a position of power by labeling her a promoter of Ustaše ideology, a Serb-hater, and a destroyer of the state, is directly targeting her, calling for her lynching and endangering her safety.
Student Mila Pajić, whose only “crime” was opposing the occupation of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad and stating that we must confront the crimes committed in the past, dared to speak publicly at a protest that did not sit well with Vučević. She has become a suitable victim for the Prime Minister, who has launched a full-scale attack on her, directing, like any bully, his anger and frustrations towards those he knows are weaker than him. Miloš Vučević, aware and frustrated by the fact that he has no real say either in the government or in the party he leads, chooses his targets exclusively among those he considers unprotected, those on whom he thinks he can “exercise authority,” and those he believes he can intimidate and silence. Even for this government, known for its brutal persecution of anyone who dares to criticize it, such an act is unprecedented.
Vučević must resign for his attack on a citizen, student, and activist. It is the duty of everyone today to stand in defense of Mila Pajić—both international institutions and citizens. By doing so, we defend freedom of speech, critical thinking, and protect all those people and all those students who think for themselves and refuse to accept the uniformity, autocracy, and violence that the government generates, among other things, through such calls for the lynching of dissenters.
