there is no consensus on what should be in the ethical codes of universities

JVLMA is preparing training for all employees, which will be mandatory, followed by tests. Also, it is being sought how to determine legally precisely that there should not be any kind of private relationship between teaching staff and students. This will eliminate discussions about how desirable the relationship was in contentious situations.

“I completely agree, I think, that border must be absolutely clear, defined. That is, although, as we see in many other countries, it is defined as power relations, and my strong belief – we must be able to do that, I also hope to define clearly, legally, in cooperation with the ministries, that such relations are not permissible, in my understanding, there is no discussion at all,” says rector Prānis.

The Academy of Arts does not intend to draw such strict boundaries. But it has researched and compiled the experiences of other countries, and will clarify in its documents what is considered undesirable behavior and violence.

Antra Priede, vice-rector of the Academy of Arts of Latvia, says: “Including something in the code of ethics does not automatically make it a living activity. Therefore, here at the Academy of Arts, we plan to conduct an annual activity of the introduction week in September as a training model for both students and faculty. Explaining what there are appropriate working relationships, appropriate relationships in the power structures between the teacher and the student, and we have already developed an offer for a small booklet with the students.”

The vice-rector of the Academy of Arts emphasizes that it is important that colleagues, when they see inappropriate behavior, turn to the management and this allows them to react without waiting for a victim’s application.