Tartu University Fights for Political Independence
The University of Tartu sent Parliament a letter urging that the final version of a bill impacting the institution's future autonomy be consistent with the university's own proposal.
Last April, a bill aiming to reshape the university's leadership by giving politicians more decisionmaking power was met with criticism by the university administration. In June, the university board proposed a compromise that would retain the school's independence but would also reassure Parliament of the public university's role as a medium for preserving the Estonian cultural identity, and insure efficient administration and social cohesion.
The University of Tartu proposal offered a board of 11 members, five from the school, including one student, five picked by the government, and one chosen by the Estonian Academy of Sciences. The proposal also included a clause that board members must have good reputations and that they cannot be members of the government or Parliament of Estonia. The board's main responsibilities are the university's development program and budget.
Minister of Education Tõnis Lukas has voiced his support for the university's proposition. "I don't think it's right for Parliament to change the text so that differs from the university's proposal,“ said Lukas. "The final reforms cannot limit the academic freedom. The threat of partisan politics must be excluded."
Founded in 1632, the University of Tartu has 17,500 students.