Education Quality Center warns Georgian universities amidst student strike against foreign influence bill

The Georgian Education Quality Center on Wednesday issued a warning to universities regarding potential disruptions in the event of a strike, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the smooth functioning of the educational process in line with academic calendars and program objectives. The Center highlighted that failure to meet these obligations could jeopardize accreditation and authorization processes amid mass protests in the country against the foreign influence bill. 

“In accordance with established standards, educational institutions are expected to have contingency plans in place to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of operations,” the Center stated.

However, the statement drew criticism from education specialists and professionals who viewed it as undue pressure on schools, raising concerns about potential political motivations behind the Center’s stance. Several individuals, including about ten employees, expressed dissent on social media platforms such as Facebook.

Amidst this controversy, Deputy Director Kakha Eradze denied rumors of his departure from the Center in an interview with Radio Liberty.

The statement from the National Center for the Development of the Quality of Education was prompted by a recent strike by 15 university students protesting the “Agents Law.” These students argue that their engagement lies in activism rather than attending classes. Responding to the strike, a statement signed by 38 university rectors emphasized the apolitical nature of educational institutions. However, the rectors’ conference faced dissent, particularly from the Caucasian University Advisory Council, which disagreed with the blanket statement and argued it did not represent the views of all universities.

At the Theater University, lecturers expressed discontent with the rector’s endorsement of the rectors’ statement, asserting their support for the students’ protest against the “Russian law.” They underscored their independent stance on the matter.

The Georgian Parliament on Tuesday passed the controversial foreign transparency bill in its third and final reading amidst mass protests in Tbilisi and international criticism that it could impede the country’s European integration. 

Now the bill will be passed to the President to sign to go into effect, who had pledged to veto it.