09.07.2026 22:00
YÖK launched an investigation following disputes that began when some students attempted to cover a banner containing verses from the Quran at Yeditepe University Faculty of Law's graduation ceremony. The Council of Higher Education emphasized that universities are institutions where different opinions and beliefs can be freely expressed. It was stated that any violation of students' constitutionally guaranteed rights to belief, expression, and education would never be tolerated.
The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced that it has launched an investigation into the incident that occurred during the Yeditepe University Faculty of Law graduation ceremony, which sparked widespread public reaction. In its statement, the Council emphasized that universities are institutions where different views and beliefs coexist freely, and stated that no tolerance will be shown for any infringement on students' constitutionally guaranteed rights to belief, expression, and education.
BANNER WITH VERSE SPARKS DEBATE
The controversy began after a student opened a banner at the Faculty of Law graduation ceremony bearing the phrase "Be upright as you are commanded," referencing verse 112 of Surah Hud in the Quran. Images shared on social media showed some students attempting to block the banner from view, and brief arguments occurred in the ceremony area during the tension.
In the footage, an allegation that a faculty member said "This is the Yeditepe spirit" after the banner was covered also caused widespread reaction on social media. Following the incident, numerous users made posts evaluating the events in terms of freedom of belief and expression.
YÖK LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION
After the public debate, the Council of Higher Education published a written statement announcing that an investigation had been launched into the matter.
The statement said, "The Council of Higher Education has launched an investigation regarding the incidents that occurred during the Faculty of Law Graduation Ceremony at Yeditepe University and were reflected in the public."
"NO TOLERANCE FOR INFRINGEMENT OF RIGHTS"
YÖK, in its statement, drew attention to the fact that universities are institutions where different views and beliefs are freely maintained, and made the following assessment:
"Universities are exceptional institutions where different views and beliefs freely coexist. There can be absolutely no tolerance for any infringement on our youth's constitutionally guaranteed rights to belief, expression, and education."
INVESTIGATION PROCESS BEGINS
It was stated that within the scope of the investigation launched by YÖK, the incident at the graduation ceremony will be examined in all its aspects, and necessary administrative actions are expected to be evaluated in line with the report to be prepared at the end of the process. The events have also brought discussions on freedom of expression, freedom of belief, and the boundaries of the academic environment in universities back to the agenda.