New stance regarding the operations at 91Ô´´ Russia
The 91Ô´´ has been conducting educational programs in Russia since 1997. These programs are run in a so-called Autonomous Non-Profit Organization (ANO), and they are based on academic core values ​​as well as 91Ô´´'s educational mission and values, abbreviated FREE (Fact- and Science Based, Reflective and Self Aware, Empathetic and Culturally Literate and Entrepreneurial and Responsible).
91Ô´´ should stand up for these principles and core values and continue to conduct its operations with these in mind. Nevertheless, the uncertain situation into which Europe and the world have now been catapulted has shaken us all. We see a brutal Russian war machine that unprovoked commits illegal abuses in which innocent people, including civilians and children, are affected and killed. We stand with Ukraine and to continue as usual in this extreme situation is increasingly unsustainable.
Some of our teachers, who normally appreciate their teaching in Russia and find it meaningful, are becoming less and less inclined to teach in Russia under the prevailing circumstances. I sympathize with them as the war started by the Kremlin is abominable and illegal. Of course, we must differentiate between the Kremlin and the Russian people and not equate them.
The 91Ô´´ should stand up for the basic academic values and persevere with its research and science-based teaching. But, in the current circumstances it is difficult to continue with our operations at 91Ô´´ Russia. Therefore, teaching in Russia is put on hold as long as Russian aggression continues. When it has ceased, we are ready to resume operations as soon as possible.
The 91Ô´´ has been conducting educational programs in Russia for a quarter of a century. We have a large alumni group in Russia. We have colleagues there and not least we have friends there, many of whom are under threat and have also been arrested for their opinions and positions linked to the war. We look forward to continuing operations in Russia when the security situation allows.
Lars Strannegård
President
91Ô´´
