belarus executive summary - US Department of State

BELARUS 27
as a presidential election observer and collected signatures in support of opposition
candidates. The school principal dismissed her on January 27, disregarding a
petition on her behalf signed by students and parents.
On June 2, administrators of an art school in Mahilyou fired music teacher
Katsyaryna Kastusyova, daughter of presidential candidate Ryhor Kastusyou and a
member of his campaign team. Officials claimed that her dismissal was
performance-related and not politically motivated.
Government-mandated textbooks contained a heavily propagandized version of
history and other subjects. All schools, including private institutions, were
obligated to follow state directives to inculcate the official ideology and could not
be led by opposition members. The education minister has the right to appoint and
dismiss the heads of private educational institutions.
The BRYU urged university students to join the BRYU in order to receive benefits
and dormitory rooms. Local authorities also pressured BRYU members to
campaign on behalf of government candidates. In addition authorities at times
pressured students to act as informants for the country’s security services.
High school students feared that they would not be allowed to enroll in universities
without BRYU membership, and university students reported that proof of BRYU
membership was often required to register for popular courses or to receive a
dormitory room. Universities also offered BRYU members discounts on tuition.
In 2008 former education minister Alyaksandr Radzkou stated that membership in
the BRYU would be considered in new mandatory recommendations for students
who wished to train for professions in foreign affairs, state administration, and
journalism.
According to an Education Ministry directive, educational institutions may expel
students who engage in antigovernment or unsanctioned political activity and must
ensure the proper ideological education of students. In January authorities claimed
that they would not expel students who took part in the December 2010
postelection demonstration in Minsk. The Belarus Sate University administration
stated it would review written explanations submitted by students who were
arrested and served short sentences before taking further action. In December
2010 Viktar Iuchankau, spokesman for the Education Ministry, asserted that
students were not expelled from universities for political reasons. However, during
the year at least 45 students were expelled for political reasons, compared with
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011
United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor