You Want to Create a Pocket Rector Institute: Zohrabyan to the Minister

“In our days, the principal of Khachatur Abovian High School No. 1 is imposed and then that principal goes to work every day accompanied by a police guard. The rector of Slavonic University writes that he has been informed through the National Security Service of Nikol Pashinyan's demand to resign from the rectorate,” emphasized Ghood Oroujian MP Naira Zohrabyan during a parliamentary session discussing the acceptance of the draft package of laws on ‘Higher Education and Science’ on first reading.

She stated that the alpha and omega of the law on 'Higher Education and Science' should be academic freedom, but the presented law violates the cornerstone of academic freedom, which contradicts the overall principle of the autonomy of higher education institutions. “The rector's selection management council will consist of 9 members, 5 of whom will be appointed by the Government. Now you want us to believe, dear minister, that the five members of the Management Council appointed by you will be impartial and will not carry out political orders. You want to create a pocket rector institute,” she said.

She noted that naturally, the Prosperous Armenia Party would vote against this project, which destroys academic freedom and the autonomy of higher education institutions.

“Mr. Dumanyan, please state in your final report which state universities are unnecessary for you,” Ani Samsonyan said.

“The politicized page of universities cannot be closed merely by stipulating in the draft law that members of the management council cannot be members of party leadership bodies or that the rector cannot be a member of any political party,” stated Ani Samsonyan from the Bright Armenia faction during the parliamentary session.

According to her, the politicized page can only be closed when mechanisms are established so that decision-makers in politics cannot have complete influence over university management councils. “Having a management council of 9 members, of which 5 members can be representatives of the Government and authorized bodies, I believe poses high risks; risks of always subordinating the interests of those who are considered beneficiaries of higher education and this project, such as the academic staff or student body,” she said.

She referred to the statement by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan that state universities are unnatural: “Your opinion may hold value as a scientist, but your opinion cannot be considered valuable as a minister if that opinion is not embedded in the foundation of your developed policy, in your vision. Therefore, I ask you to address in your final report the question of which state universities are unnecessary for you and which can be closed,” she said.