The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has prepared an appeal to the Ministry of Education and plans to contact the Security Service of Ukraine regarding the statements made by Professor Nikita Vasylenko from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
"Perhaps some did not know, but the professor was involved in a scandal about a year ago, and our institute received a collective appeal from students regarding him. After I responded, the university held him accountable and he received a reprimand," - wrote Lubinets on Telegram.
Lubinets noted that this is the second time he is reacting to the professor's statements. According to him, he has sent letters to the Ministry of Education aiming for state oversight (control) over the activities of the educational institution and has demanded that the university conduct an internal investigation. "I also see the need to address the SBU," - the message states.
He emphasized that "the professor's unethical behavior has crossed a line, and this should be verified and appropriately addressed by the competent authorities."
According to Lubinets, on Monday, a video was circulated on social media in which the professor from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv expressed his opinion about Ukrainian women, causing public outrage.
Meanwhile, the student parliament of the Institute of Journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv has refused to cooperate with the administration until they dismiss Professor Vasylenko. The reason is his scandalous statements.
"Due to the systematic remarks by the lecturer of the Institute of Journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Nikita Kimovych Vasylenko, on pro-Russian platforms, sexist remarks, and the promotion of Russian narratives, the student parliament of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Journalism announces a boycott of the institute's administration," - the statement reads.
It is noted that from December 23, 2024, until Vasylenko's dismissal from the university, the student parliament refuses to cooperate with the administration of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Journalism. They also demand an immediate response to the statement and protection of the academic community from the influence of individuals who discredit the journalistic profession and Ukraine's national interests.
"We emphasize that these are minimal measures we are forced to implement. If the administration continues to ignore the students' opinions, we will be compelled to escalate our actions. We urge the university leadership not to delay in resolving this issue and to ensure adherence to state values, academic standards, and student rights," - stated the student parliament.