In response to the dissemination of false information on social media regarding the organisation of the Rector’s election, the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts states the following.

The election of the Rector is organised and conducted strictly in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education,” the Labour Code of Ukraine, the Academy’s Statute, and the order issued in the prescribed manner regarding their conduct. In accordance with Part 3 of Article 42 of the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, the head of a higher education institution is elected by secret ballot by voters, which include:

• academic, research, and teaching staff employed at the institution as their primary place of work;
• elected representatives of other staff members;
• elected representatives of students.

Therefore, participation in the voting process is a form of exercising the rights granted by law to specified categories of persons and is carried out within the legal framework established by the legislation of Ukraine.

According to the order on the organisation of elections, and in order to ensure appropriate learning conditions for students, only a temporary adjustment of the class schedule within a single working day has been permitted to enable staff members to exercise their voting rights. This measure is intended to ensure that the educational process is carried out in full compliance with approved educational programmes and curricula.

The dissemination of false information that may damage the business reputation of a higher education institution may constitute a violation of civil law and, in accordance with Articles 94 and 277 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, such actions may serve as grounds for demanding the retraction of false information and for protecting the institution’s reputation through legal proceedings.

In the event of further dissemination of false information, KSADA reserves the right to take all necessary legal measures to protect its rights as provided by law.