Ukrainian language in educational institutions may be restricted: what is being proposed.

Ukraine plans to limit the use of the Ukrainian language in educational institutions, which has caused outrage and controversy. This was stated by MP Iryna Herashchenko.

The draft law on vocational education, which was passed by the Verkhovna Rada in the first reading, contains controversial provisions that limit the use of the Ukrainian language in the educational process. The project was mainly supported by MPs from the 'Servant of the People' party and OPZZh.

'Unfortunately, in addition to the correct ideas regarding the development of vocational and technical educational institutions, the draft law attracts attention due to its provision on limiting the state language during the educational process,' emphasized Herashchenko.

The main provisions of the draft law provide for the introduction of new principles for the development and financing of vocational education, the popularization of vocational and technical education among youth, ensuring the accessibility of retraining and reskilling for people of any age, a duration of vocational and technical education of 3 years with an academic or professional focus, more independence in decision-making for vocational education institutions, simplification of the transfer of educational institutions from the state to communities, strengthening cooperation between businesses and educational institutions, and defining the specifics of training in enterprises.

Herashchenko noted the presence of linguistic provisions in the draft law that provoke outrage. According to these provisions, it is possible to study in the languages of national minorities in vocational educational institutions and to create separate groups for studying minority languages if there are wishes from 8 students. In Herashchenko's opinion, this contradicts the goals of vocational education and the preparation of specialists for work in Ukraine, where the Ukrainian language is the language of work and documentation. She also noted that such training is possible not only for representatives of national minorities but for everyone. Only MPs from the 'European Solidarity' party voted against this draft law and are preparing amendments to protect the Ukrainian language and legislation on this issue.

It is worth noting that a date for the last bell in schools in Ukraine has already been set.

Analysis:

The draft law on restricting the use of the Ukrainian language in educational institutions has caused controversy and outrage as it contradicts the goals of vocational education. The linguistic provisions that provide for studying in minority languages in vocational educational institutions may lead to limiting the use of the Ukrainian language as the language of work and communication. However, MPs from the 'European Solidarity' party plan to submit amendments to protect the Ukrainian language and legislation on this issue.