Ministry of Education Requests Evidence from Student Government of Taras Shevchenko National University Regarding Alleged Violations by Rector Buhrov Since 2021

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has taken a significant step in addressing the concerns raised by students protesting against the actions of Rector Volodymyr Buhrov at Taras Shevchenko National University. Following a series of student protests, the Ministry has formally reached out to the university's student self-government, requesting the submission of all existing materials concerning possible violations, statements, and complaints against the rector from 2021 onwards.

A message published on the Telegram channel of the Student Parliament of KNU indicates that the student self-government bodies received a response letter from the Ministry. This letter emphasizes the necessity of providing information regarding the alleged violations by Rector Buhrov and the appropriateness of his suspension from duties during the ongoing investigation. This demand has emerged as a central theme in the recent student protest actions.

In the letter, signed by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofymenko, the Ministry urges the Conference of Students of the University (CSU), as the highest representative body of student self-government, to express its position on the advisability of suspending Rector Buhrov while the Expert and Personnel Commission conducts its review of his activities.

Moreover, the Ministry of Education and Science has requested all available materials, including complaints and appeals held by the student government, regarding possible legal violations by the university administration and infringements of student rights, starting from April 2021. This request encompasses the entire duration of Buhrov's tenure as rector.

The Student Parliament of KNU has announced that the Ministry's response will be discussed at a meeting of the CSU Delegates' Chamber, scheduled for this Friday.

It is important to note that in March of this year, an anonymous Telegram channel surfaced with intimate photos and videos allegedly linked to Rector Buhrov and Room 105 of the university's main building. This revelation sparked widespread outrage among the student body and the public.

On March 25, it was announced that the Ministry of Education and Science had established a commission to investigate Rector Buhrov's activities. This decision was made in response to a request from the university, asking for action regarding the information currently circulating in the public domain. The Ministry emphasized that there was no discussion of suspending the rector from his position during the commission's work.

Rector Volodymyr Buhrov himself stated that he does not believe he has violated any terms of his contract and expressed his willingness to prove this to the commission.

On April 1, a student protest took place outside the university's 'red building,' where students demanded the suspension of Rector Buhrov during the investigation. Among their demands were a public response to questions about the incidents in Room 105, readiness for an independent review, and assurances against any pressure, persecution, or negative consequences for students, staff, and witnesses involved in the investigation or the peaceful protest.

Following the protest, Rector Buhrov expressed his outrage, stating that it is unfortunate that the subject of student protests, much to the delight of the university's outright enemies, has become organized information attacks, baseless manipulations, and fakes posted on anonymous Telegram channels. His remarks highlight the tense atmosphere surrounding the situation at the university and suggest potential repercussions for all parties involved in the conflict.