In a statement to the media, Pranis noted that for seven years he has worked selflessly to ensure that the academy is a place where everyone can develop their talents, so that the education received at the academy becomes a fundamental basis for further career growth. He invited young professionals and distinguished foreign lecturers to join the ranks of teachers, fought for increased funding for the academy, for assigning it the status of an arts and cultural university, for professional doctorates, support for philanthropists and the creation of new modern programs.
In his opinion, the scandal in which the academy was embroiled was used to get rid of the university’s management, accusing it of inaction under the pretext of caring for students. The rector claims that he and his team immediately did everything to understand the situation on its merits, so “such injustice and slander once morest oneself was impossible to imagine.”
“We have reached an impasse! I understand that in the current circumstances, my tenure as rector will only complicate the work of the academy, since it is impossible to continue to work with a board that has been found to have acted unlawfully, but expects me to be held accountable for what I I don’t know, because until now I have not been informed that I have not done what I might have done. It will be impossible to defend the interests of the academy before the Ministry of Culture, which, since March 11, has believed that my resignation will “relieve the tension,” and now. cynically accuses me of fighting the illegal actions of the council,” emphasizes Pranis.
According to Pranis, seeing such an attitude between the council and the minister, he does not see how this can result in successful, purposeful cooperation in the interests of the university.
Pranis says he has done everything possible over the course of a month to ensure that the information brought to his attention is further investigated and that penalties are met accordingly, which is essential to eradicating sexual harassment from the academy. An action plan was also agreed upon, which includes a number of areas for a completely new standard for the future: training, regulation, legislation, improvement of the warning system, support and technical solutions.
He hopes that the work started will be continued so that no student or employee will have to experience unpleasant and frightening situations.
“I am leaving the post of rector, but I hope that LMA will have a safe, stable and bright future,” Pranis said.
As Latvian Television previously reported, the LMA received complaints regarding sexual harassment of female students by teachers. To date, one teacher has been disciplined and another has been suspended.
State police opened a criminal case in connection with information regarding the alleged harassment of female students by LMA teachers.
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2024-04-20 10:02:12
