PROPHE Summary:
The Belarus government is shutting down one of the country's few private
universities university. The government cites a need to deprive the
university of its state-owned building, which would leave the university
with inadequate facilities. Critics maintain, however, that the government
action is directed against university autonomy and, more generally,
against societal freedom. The European Humanities University, opened
in 1993, has had major ties with the West. What will become of the University's
1000 students is unclear, especially as the government has not authorized
other institutions to accept them.
For the full story (shown with permission) see the Chronicle of
Higher Education, July 27, 2004, "Belarus Pressures Private
University to Close", by Bryon MacWilliams.
http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?id=5gcei14oqwlg73a6pvzypluzlac2o5t
PROPHE Observation:
Several aspects of this story appear striking for their political extremity.
First, government-forced closings of private higher education institutions
are relatively rare. Indeed, many governments are pleased to have the
private contribution. Second, the closings are almost always based on
considerations of low quality. Direct political confrontation, including
a government call for a rector to step down, is uncommon. Third, in
contrast to the low-status institutions often at risk, the European
Humanities University has had strong ties and funding from the West.
Fourth, governments typically address the need to accommodate otherwise
stranded students. The Belarus case of extreme government action is
thus a reminder that certain private university policies (e.g., strong
internationalization) that seek to enhance legitimacy are suspect with
some governments.
