Civil society activist facing expulsion from Hrodna university

Civil society activist Katsyaryna Bychak is facing expulsion from Hrodna State University for “violating internal rules.”

The woman, a second-year law student, is accused of missing classes for nine days without good reason.

Ms. Bychak has provided written explanations saying that she was absent from classes for family reasons, but the excuse has been rejected by the school administration.

The council of the university’s law faculty was expected to meet on September 28 to discuss the case.

Ms. Bychak, who is regarded as one of the best-performing students at the faculty, is a member of the Belarusian National Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. She has played an active role in a campaign against the city government’s plans to redevelop Hrodna’s historical area and this may have become the reason for her possible expulsion.

Several foreign-based schools have already expressed readiness to offer Ms. Bychak a place if she is kicked out of the Hrodna university.