Last Tuesday and Wednesday, Adamson University’s social media platforms blocked students who voiced criticisms on the memorandum issued by the Office for Financial Affairs regarding the rebate guidelines on tuition and other fees as well as other financial concerns.
When the memorandum was disseminated to the community last Monday, some stakeholders voiced concerns about the administration’s move. There have been reports that Adamson’s Twitter account is blocking anyone who criticizes or condemns the said memorandum. Moreover, students who claimed being blocked have captured and posted screenshots providing evidence that the university’s social media platform blocked them.
Adamson’s response to these criticisms only faced further backlash from students and various student groups. One student posted a screenshot that the university’s Twitter account blocked him with a caption that said “This is a proof na basura ang sistema sa AdU. Maniningil pa ng tuition 'yan pero iba-block kapag na-criticize sila.” (This is proof that AdU’s system is flawed. They will still collect tuition but will block you if you criticize them.)
Another student criticized the university on Facebook reaching almost 600 reactions. “I have to ask, why is Adamson University blocking students who are expressing their dissent towards the university's actions? Wala bang karapatan ang mga estudyante magsalita at ipahayag ang kanilang pagkadismaya?” the caption read. (I have to ask, why is Adamson University blocking students who are expressing their dissent towards the university's actions? Are students deprived of speaking and expressing their frustrations?)
Responding to the situation, a letter from the administration posted by the Adamson University Student Government’s Facebook page stated that the Office of the President was aware that some students could no longer access the university’s social media accounts. Moreover, the administration made it clear that it will not tolerate profanity and personal attacks against the school while claiming at the same time that they believe in freedom of expression. “While we recognize the right of the students to raise complaints against administrative decisions, we will not tolerate, however, any form of profanity and personal attacks hurled towards the school,” part of the letter said. “We are also believers of freedom of expression but it is also our view that it is not absolute and excused from regulations,” the letter continued.
Meanwhile, the official Twitter page of Adamson has been deactivated and the university’s rating on its Facebook page went down to 3.9 out of 5 based on the opinion of 147 people.
Written by: Joshua Corcuera
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