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Statement on the Situation around the Student Tatiana Borisova

Photo: Alexandra Murashko

On June 26, 2022, the European Humanities University received a letter from EHU 1st year student Tatiana Borisova announcing a dry hunger strike until the requirements set forth in her appeal dated June 3, 2022 were met.  The requirements indicated: to provide free passage of the course “Project of the First Year” in the next semester and to exempt from the obligation to submit project on it in the current semester, as well as to provide a discount on the cost of payment for the educational services provided by the University in the next semester in the amount of 500 euros. Response and explanations on the student’s request were initially provided to the student by representatives of the committee of the European Heritage program, the head of the committee, Professor Georgui Baranets and Professor Iryna Ramanava.

Dissatisfied with the answer, the student turned to the Rector. After a series of consultations with the academic community, lawyers and taking into account the internal regulations of the university, EHU cannot fully implement these requirements that are based on the arguments provided by the student about the university’s violation of its contractual obligations to provide educational services. EHU, relying on the explanations of a lawyer, states: educational services were provided in full volume in accordance with the Republic of Lithuania Law on Education.

Tatiana is a first-year EHU student, a citizen of the Russian Federation, whose studies are financially supported by the third party civil organization (thanks to this, Tatiana does not pay for tuition at EHU).

  • Today, on June 27, at 8.30 a.m., the student began a dry hunger strike at the entrance to the university, taking a horizontal position on the asphalt, under the open sun, demanding the implementation of the previously stated requirements.  The fact that the action will take place was announced by the student the day before, on June 26 at 23.13 in an Open Letter.
  • At 9.00 a.m., the Police were called to record the situation, they explained the rights and obligations to all parties and left;
  • At 9.10 a.m. an ambulance arrived, analyzed the physical condition of the student, gave recommendations, at 10.00 a.m. they left;
  • At 10.00 a.m. a psychologist arrived. Left at 18:00;
  • From 9.00 a.m. the student broadcasts everything on social media. A tent was built to protect her from the sun and the water was provided to her.

The European Humanities University recognizes the rights of students provided both by the Constitution of Lithuania and by international acts. As you know, the use of rights is connected with the responsibility of each person to society and to other students, employees and colleagues.

At the moment, the university is taking humanitarian measures to ensure the safety of the student. At the same time, the way of expressing the opinion chosen by a student affects a number of values that are protected by the law of the Republic of Lithuania.  In this situation, the university reserves the right to negotiate with the student, but also with lawyers and public services that ensure order in educational institutions.

We also see the need for an open dialogue at the university to discuss the essence of human rights and freedoms, their limitations and the responsibility of the parties involved in the process of realizing the rights of all students.

The Rector decided to partially satisfy the student’s demand and to let her retake the course in the next semester as an exception. This decision is based on the principles of care for the physical and psychological well-being of the student. 

UPD: On June 28 at 8:07 PM Tatiana Borisova decided to finish a dry hunger strike.

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