“I am convinced that today’s University of Warsaw is what the heroes of the events of 58 years ago wanted it to be: open, tolerant and guided above all by respect for human beings,” said Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector, during a ceremony commemorating the student protest rally of 1968. The ceremony was attended by members of the academic community, representatives of the “Solidarity” Trade Union Committee at the UW, residents of Warsaw and guests.

The demonstration 58 years ago, which took place in the university courtyard on Krakowskie Przedmieście, sparked a wave of student protests across the country. The events lasted from 8th to 23rd March and were directly caused by political decisions to remove Kazimierz Dejmek’s production of Dziady from the National Theatre’s repertoire and to expel Adam Michnik and Henryk Szlajfer from the UW’s Faculty of History.

“We believe that what we experienced in 1968 will never happen again; that everyone who walks through the gates of the University of Warsaw will feel part of the academic community. I am convinced that ceremonies such as this one allow us to reach back into the past, reflect on the present, and dream about the future,” said Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector, during the traditional anniversary ceremony held on 8th March at the UW’s Main Campus.

 

“I am convinced that the University of Warsaw today is what the heroes of the events of 58 years ago wanted it to be: open, tolerant and guided above all by respect for human beings,” added the UW Rector.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the authorities, faculties and units of the UW, the Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, the representative of the Marshal of the Masovian Voivodeship for Veterans and Victims of Repression, representatives of the “Solidarity” Trade Union at the UW, as well as students, doctoral candidates and employees.

“It was here that young people – students of this university – had the courage to stand up for freedom of speech, the rule of law, and truth. Their determination, solidarity with the oppressed, and opposition to censorship remind us that freedom requires constant care and responsibility. In this special place, we pay tribute to all those who, on 8th March 1968, chose independence and opposed the abuse of power,” said Renata Kaznowska, Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, reading a letter from Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw.

The presidents of the UW Students’ Council and the UW PhD Students’ Union, as well as participants in the 1968 events, also gave their speeches.

Memory and commitment 

“The events of March 1968 are difficult from the perspective of the history of the University of Warsaw, but extremely important from the perspective of the history of both Poland and Warsaw. Students demanded social solidarity, freedom of speech, and academic autonomy. In return, they were expelled from the university, subjected to a shameful campaign, and had their freedom of speech and human rights violated. These events oblige us, the younger generation, to ensure that they never happen again,” said Mateusz Mossakowski, president of the UW Students’ Council.

“8th March 1968 has gone down in the history of the UW and the entire Polish academic community. The heroism of the protagonists of the events of 58 years ago remains part of our academic heritage. As chair of the PhD Students’ Union, I feel a special responsibility to preserve the memory of that generation. It is thanks to them that we can work and discuss today in a space where freedom of thought is the foundation of our university,” said Justyna Jaworska, chair of the UW PhD Students’ Union.

Participants in the events of 1968 shared their memories: Jerzy Rachwald and Dr Julian Srebrny, member of the Presidium of the “Solidarity” Trade Union Committee at the UW.

“The rebellion that began at the University of Warsaw sparked activity at most universities in Warsaw and throughout Poland. It later turned out to be a rebellion of all Polish youth. I think we should remember the words of the great poet Cyprian Kamil Norwid, which appear on the commemorative plaque: ‘One must not bow to circumstances and keep the truth standing at the door,’” said Dr Julian Srebrny.

Flowers were laid at the commemorative plaque at the Main Gate by the Rector and authorities of the UW, the authorities of the City of Warsaw, representatives of the Marshal of the Masovian Voivodeship, the “Solidarity” Trade Union Committee at the UW, the UW Student Council, the UW PhD Students’ Union, and the Independent Students’ Association.