More freedom at Libyan university, but little change

Portraits of toppled Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi may no longer adorn the walls of Tripoli University, but it is likely to be a long time before new values and higher standards become entrenched there.

The signature red, black and green of the 2011 revolt that put an end to 42 years of stifling dictatorship now decorate the corridors. And inside the classrooms, things are also beginning to look a little different.

The curriculum no longer expounds on the slain dictator's views on politics, the military and economics -- which were outlined in his "Green Book" manifesto and fleshed out over endless speeches that were then documented in annual tomes.

Although it may take many years to revamp the system completely, the culture is slowly shifting.

For starters, dissent is now tolerated and no longer lands people in jail.

"The main change is that we now have freedom of expression and we can demonstrate," said law student Nauroz Said.

Political science professor Ahmed al-Atrash says the university now allows demonstrations but it is also making efforts to promote the concepts of civilised expression and organised protest in order to avoid major disruptions.

"We don't know the ABCs of democracy," said Atrash, who tries to promote the idea of "civilised, democratic dialogue" in his classroom.

Such lessons matter greatly in a country where freedom of expression was virtually non-existent. Finally unshackled, many Libyans -- and that includes students 00 are clamouring to have their voices heard and demands met.

Small, unruly and sometimes armed rallies are part of the capital's rhythm.

Read the original here:
More freedom at Libyan university, but little change