Protest at UMCS over honorary titles, alleging recipients promote anti-Polish narratives.
Studenci UMCS-u będą protestować przeciwko nadaniu Anne Applebaum, Agnieszce Holland oraz Oldze Tokarczuk tytułów honoris causa.
— Klaudia Kowalczyk (@kl_kowalczyk) November 23, 2024
Do oficjalnej uroczystości ma dojść w poniedziałek przed południem. Pikietę zaplanowano przed wydziałem prawa UMCS.
A protest is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, in front of UMCS in Lublin. The gathering coincides with the ceremony granting honorary doctorate titles to Anne Applebaum, Agnieszka Holland, and Olga Tokarczuk. Organizers claim the honorees promote narratives harmful to Poland’s reputation.
“Defending Poland’s Legacy”
The event, titled “Enough of Hostile, Anti-Polish Narratives in the World!”, has gained attention on Facebook. Organizer Waldemar Polak invites “all patriotic Poles who care about the nation’s well-being” to participate. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the legacy of ancestors who sacrificed for the nation.
Opposition to UMCS’s Decision
The protest targets the UMCS Senate and Rector’s decision to honor the three figures. Protesters label the honorees as “anti-Polish,” criticizing their perceived portrayal of Poland in a negative light. Polak encourages demonstrators to reject the alleged undermining of Poland’s history and values.
The protest will commence at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Faculty of Law and Administration. This event underscores ongoing tensions in Poland over interpretations of national identity and history.