The Hungarian Student, 1958 (3. évfolyam, 1-2. szám)
1958-10-01 / 1. szám
Népszabadság article that mistakes in general indoctrination and the presentation of Marxist-Leninist theories were the direct cause of the strongly rightist deviation of the students. The students practically sabotaged the ideological courses even in the 1957/58 school year despite the fact that they knew that their marks in that subject would decisively influence their general progress at school. Sándor Szálkái writes in the November 15, 1957 issue of Népszabadság: «Acting upon the inciting advice of Western radios, the enemy tried out various tactics — but failed. The campaign to stay away from classes failed even during the first few days; an overwhelming majority of the students showed up. Only among the students of electricity at the University of Technology and in the circles of fine arts students did they succed to some extent. The enemy also tried the presentation of certain provoking and tricky questions at various places at the same time. However in the course of discussions the hostile arguments were mostly rejected and the last reactionary campaign was reduced to the illmannered heckling of a few misguided students . . .» We have already mentioned that the passing rate is very low at the University of Technology. The following article reveals that in addition to the practical consideration the other reason for this is the fact that Marxist-Leninist studies are particularly pressed in that school. Magyar Ifjúság, February 1, 1958: «Complaints came by telephone and letters from the students of the University of Technology: ,There ist trouble with the examinations in philosophy and political economy.’ ,Magyar Ifjúság has always been on our side,’ writes Pál Szabó student. ,1 wish to call to your attention the fact that everybody is bitter about the impossible demands made on the students of the University ofTechnology in the subjects of philosophy. I don’t believe that this is in keeping with democracy or wanted by the Party or the «KISZ». Let them take a look at the examinations and the results.’ It was truly shocking what the letters revealed. Why should it be
