Although it’s impossible to give an unequivocally negative evaluation of the bill on amendments to the law on higher education and science, the bill presents absolutely unacceptable points, particularly in regard to the restriction on autonomy of universities. This is what member of the Standing Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Sport and Youth Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia, deputy of the opposition Bright Armenia faction Anna Kostanyan said during today’s online discussion.

Kostanyan says what is also troubling is the introduction of an age limit for members of a scientific council and the elimination of the rotation system during studies. She recalled that violation of the autonomy of universities is linked to the appointment of five of the nine members of a board of trustees by the authorized body which is a violation of the points in the international treaties signed by Armenia and contradicts the Bologna System. “Besides this, the autonomy of universities is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. The main beneficiaries of this bill — students and professors — will be left out of the processes,” she mentioned.