Class Protests Suspended, Discussions Ongoing: Students

Representatives from the student programs of Yerevan State University and a group of students from the Faculty of Philology addressed journalists today regarding the legislative changes on "Higher Education and Science".

Edward Galstyan, the coordinator of student programs, stated that currently, the protests and class strikes have been suspended, and meetings and discussions are underway with faculty members and scientific councils regarding issues related to the Armenian language and Armenian history.

Activist Gevorg Gyulumyan, a student from the Faculty of Philology, addressed the issue of language compulsion, noting that foreign languages are mandatory, but there is an attempt by the ministry to make the Armenian language non-mandatory. In response to views suggesting that the protests are due to a lack of class hours for faculty members, Gyulumyan refuted these claims by questioning who among those present at the press conference was a faculty member.

Amalia Harutyunyan, a student from the Faculty of Armenian Philology, remarked that the question of the optional status of the Armenian language would be decided by the scientific council and how much it reflects the will of the student body.

Fourth-year student Ishkhan Tovmasyan emphasized that they hold no grievances against the Minister, Arayik Harutyunyan, and their struggle is specifically for the Armenian language and Armenian history.

In response to a question about the letter sent to the acting rector of YSU, Gegham Gevorgyan, Galstyan mentioned that they have reached out not only to Gevorgyan but also to deans and faculty members for their positions. He stated that discussions with deans and professors will continue, and as today marks the second day, further steps will become clear after receiving a response from the acting rector tomorrow.