“One against the system”: The only school in Russia that did not agree to spread war propaganda is closed

In his public address, S. Chernyshov admitted that he had lost the fight against the system imposed by the Russian authorities. According to him, the “Novosibirsk City Open College” had two choices: to turn into a “typical Russian college with propaganda and rebellion against the authorities”, or to admit that “it is impossible to create a normal college in an abnormal state”.

“I believed and still believe that my colleagues (from other educational institutions) are very guilty of the normalization of war in our country: of “Conversations on Important Matters”, “letters to the front”, handing out drafts, propaganda and recognition of former murderers and rapists heroes. All this never happened in “Novokolej”, said S. Chernyshov.

“This is the duty of anyone who considers himself an educator: to say that war is terrible, and that the people who support it deserve nothing but contempt. Because education that does not notice how people are killed in the neighbor’s apartment and continues to talk about innovative educational technologies is worthless. As pedagogues, we had to show students how a person should behave in the conditions of moral choice”, stated S. Černyšov.

He added that Novokolej was the only educational institution in Russia that “never had a single propaganda event” and that “openly talks about the point of view of what is happening.” Last year, representatives of various services began to regularly inspect the college, so the institution could not function normally.

The founder of the institution noted that thanks to accreditation and state diplomas, many of the college’s teachers and students, who previously supported the ideas of freedom, are now ready to participate in “patriotic” events. He bitterly admitted that if the university’s faculty and students were polled now, many would agree with the government’s demands.

Along with “Novokolej”, “Novoškola” (school) and language training center “Inoteks” will also be closed.

Did not agree to teach war propaganda

in 2023 in May, the Russian Ministry of Justice declared S. Chernyshov, the founder of the educational institution, a “foreign agent”. After that, he was forced to leave his leadership position at Novokolleg. The educational institution itself was fined 50 thousand. a fine of rubles (500 euros) for organizing the educational process without a special permit. S. Chernyshov calls the real reason for the administrative persecution the fact that “Novokolej” refused to organize “Conversations about important matters”.

“Conversations about important subjects” in Russian schools have been launched since 2022. September. These extracurricular activities take place every Monday before the first class, right after the flag-raising and national anthem ceremony, which has also become mandatory in all public schools. During this lesson, among other things, the Kremlin’s propaganda about the “special military operation”, the war in Ukraine, is spread to schoolchildren.