“KNU professor Vasylenko may be fired for “joke about hungry Ukrainian women” December 25, 01:27 Share: Mykyta Vasylenko (Photo: Mykyta Vasylenko/Facebook) Institute of Journalism professor Mykyta Vasylenko, who was at the center of a scandal because of his remarks about “hungry Ukrainian women”, may dismissed from the university. Volodymyr Bugrov, Rector of the Shevchenko National University of Ukraine, stated this on the air of Suspilny, condemning Vasylenko’s statement. At the same time, he noted that the professor gave an interview”, — write on: ua.news
Nikita Vasylenko (Photo: Nikita Vasylenko/Facebook)
Professor of the Institute of Journalism Mykyta Vasylenko, who was at the center of a scandal because of his statements about “hungry Ukrainian women”, may be dismissed from the university.
Volodymyr Bugrov, Rector of the Shevchenko National University of Ukraine, stated this on the air of Suspilny, condemning Vasylenko’s statement. At the same time, he noted that the professor gave the interview in his personal time.
The rector appealed to the ethics commission, which will evaluate the teacher’s behavior on December 26. If his actions are deemed inappropriate, Vasylenko will receive a second reprimand and will be fired in accordance with the Labor Code.
“Also, the academic council of the Institute of Journalism may recognize its activity as inappropriate. In this case, the contract will be terminated in a few days,” Bugrov said.
Vasylenko himself, in a comment to Suspilnyi, called the situation a “provocation” and apologized for the wording “hungry Ukrainian women”.
“This is a literary expression, and I apologize for this wording. But do you agree with the meaning? Do you think I’m sexist and should be fired because of this post?” he noted.
Vasylenko recalled that he had previously received a reprimand from the academic council due to student complaints, but then he remained in his position.
The student parliament of the Institute of Journalism announced a boycott of the university administration.
“If Vasylenko is not fired, then at the end of January, when studies begin, students may not return to the IZH building,” said Oleksandra Sereda, deputy head of the student parliament, in a comment to Suspilno.
She said that the students repeatedly drew the administration’s attention to Vasylenko’s pro-Russian narratives, his conversations on personal topics during pairings, and sexist remarks directed at female students.
“We were supported by other institutes and faculties, as well as influencers. It was important that this story went beyond our corpus,” added Aksinya Prygeba, head of the information department of the Student Parliament.