I Consider the Policy Conducted by the Ministry of Education Unacceptable: Aram Simonian

The rector of Yerevan State University, Aram Simonian, announced his resignation at the end of a meeting of the scientific council held today.

In his speech, he stated: “Dear colleagues, everything in this world has a beginning and an end. And these words were said to me by my father before he passed away. Today, I repeat, everything has a beginning and an end.”

The tension surrounding the university has not diminished; rather, it is intensifying. The country’s highest authorities accuse me of clinging to this chair to remain in my position longer. It's laughable. I have never been attached to this chair. During these months, I believe I have proven to you that I am neither retreating nor afraid, nor am I pretending to be a hero. I am ready to respond to all questions in a manner worthy of a man.

During these months, changes occurred at the university. As unfortunate as it is, some of these changes were inevitable. I think many people could not withstand the changes, and that is why today we have two new pro-rectors.

The source of the tension surrounding the university, which is growing stronger, is neither me nor the university. The culprits are representatives of those bodies implementing policies in higher education and science. People who are part of the university but have not made any serious contributions to it. That is their issue. I consider the policy currently conducted by the Ministry of Education unacceptable, not only in the field of education and science but also towards the university. I deem it reprehensible.

At the same time, I bitterly note that the university, which is regarded as a national value, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year alongside the 100th anniversary of Baku State University, is met with such treatment from our state. On May 16th and 17th, we marked the birthday of the university, albeit unfortunately not with all university representatives, by visiting Gyumri. An event was organized here, followed by a concert, and then the “Best Student” awards ceremony took place, but I did not receive any official message or congratulations; the university did not receive any. Only my friends and those who love the university called. Even the chairman of the university's board did not congratulate me.

Celebrating an anniversary under such conditions is very burdensome. Authorities clearly say: we will celebrate the anniversary when you are no longer rector. Moreover, people will come to participate in that anniversary, including from abroad, who are my personal guests, friends, and relatives—rectors from various universities with whom I have built friendships over the years.

I am very grateful to the students who have proven during these months that they deserve to be called students of the university. Thank you all indiscriminately: to the Student Council, the Student Union, the Cultural Center, and others. Many of our youth have proved that they are truly Armenian people, advocates for Armenia and the university. I deeply regret that there were other people among the university community. I am very saddened. These people were not only indifferent but also openly expressed hostility towards me and my activities, the university, and its events during these months. This is a significant distress for a university person, at least for me.

There were individuals who, when you ask them why they vote against, say: because I am a conformist and this is said by a member of the academy, noting that I should always have good relations with the authorities. A contemptible position. I am very grateful to our university staff who stood by the university and its administration like men during these months, including women among them. I am very thankful for all of this. I am especially grateful to our board members, especially the student members, who bravely expressed their opinions without fear and stood by the university's side. An Armenian should be like that.

During these months of struggle, we have seen many things. Especially, I have seen both support and blatant indifference. The criminal case that has been initiated against the university primarily weighs heavily on my shoulders.

But I can say with certainty that we are just. And we will emerge from these difficulties. This entire process costs me dearly, especially for my family—in terms of health and moral and mental condition. But it does not diminish my and my family members’ desire to believe in the future of the university, the conviction that we are right, that I, as the rector of the university, have generally acted correctly during these years. There have been shortcomings, but I have gone and tried to do everything within my capability.

I am not a coward. I am from Zangezur and have the blood of Syunik in me; I am the son of my father. I have never debased myself and will not debase myself. I will always fight for the university, for the future of YSU, I will strive for everything to be well at the university, for the prevailing opinion in the country and society to be that the university is indeed a national value. However, considering the fact that the 100th anniversary of the university not being marked at the state level can be a national shame, I want to declare that I intend to submit my resignation from my position as rector to the board of YSU tomorrow.

If I do not resign today, it will still be done with a violation of the law. I am already aware that they will change the entire composition of the board to derive the pleasure of removing me. I will not give them that pleasure.

I am combat-ready, fearing nothing and considering the interests of the university paramount, and therefore, I submit my authority. The board will decide within 7 days, as stipulated in the statute, when the day of the new rector's election will be set. There will be a temporary caretaker until elections are held. I believe that the elections will be held quite soon because it is also necessary for the normal functioning of the university.

I will continue to remain at the university, at the Institute of Armenian Studies, of which I am the head, and in the Chair of Armenian History. I have been the rector for 13 years, 5 years as a pro-rector, and so on. That’s enough. Do not be afraid. I am at the university and will not leave it. I will remain at YSU and remain committed to the interests of the university. From now on, I am no longer an official; if you wish, you can communicate with me and continue your relationships. I believe a new page will open for me. I will continue my research and activities at the Institute of Armenian Studies. I want to thank you all for working together over the past 13 years. And I want to say that wherever I may be, I will always remember those who stood by my side. Thank you.