Audit Reveals 150 Cases of Harassment in Ukrainian Universities Amid Growing Scandal

Discrimination and Harassment Incidents at Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions

According to Главком: Ukrainian universities are facing increasing scrutiny over discrimination and harassment, with a recent audit uncovering 150 instances of unwelcome advances and misconduct toward students. At Kyiv National University of Theater, Film and Television named after Karpenko-Kary, an anonymous female student has accused instructor Andriy Bilous of harassment. Bilous has been in custody for seven months on suspicion of sexually assaulting students. His wife, Iryna, has appealed to the Office of the Prosecutor General, seeking a thorough investigation.

Separately, a gender audit conducted a year ago at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University was published on the institution’s official website. The audit documented 150 cases of harassment and unwanted advances toward students. Those surveyed reported:

• 111 incidents of harassment,
• 34 cases of cyber-harassment,
• 38 instances of threats or physical force.

Under Ukrainian law, harassment is defined under Article 154 of the Criminal Code. Alla Shlapak, the university’s vice-rector and a member of the Kyiv City Council, oversaw the audit. She has emphasized that the audit is a research tool, not a formal basis for launching criminal investigations.

Updated Anti-Discrimination Policies

In September 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science revised its policy on preventing sexual harassment and discrimination. Recommendations from the gender audit include:

• developing a University Gender Action Plan through 2030,
• improving response mechanisms,
• addressing the needs of staff with children,
• integrating gender mainstreaming into academic research.

Between January 1, 2025, and March 10, 2026, 24 higher education institutions are holding rector elections. Eighteen schools are in the process of selecting new leaders, while three universities-including Kyiv Aviation Institute and Prykarpattia National University-have had rectors appointed through supervisory boards. As of March 10, 2026, 36 institutions have acting rectors. According to Article 42 of the Law on Higher Education, rectors are elected by secret ballot for five-year terms.

The most recent announcement about rector elections on the Grinchenko University website dates back to 2017. Viktor Ognevyuk, who led the university from 2007 to 2022, died on October 21, 2022, from a gunshot wound preliminarily ruled a suicide. Since late December 2023, Oleksandr Petrovych Turuntsev has served as acting rector, having appointed himself based on Order No. 668k from the Department of Education and Science of the Kyiv City State Administration. Turuntsev previously worked as vice-rector for organizational and administrative-economic affairs.

Gender discrimination and harassment at higher education institutions demand urgent action to create a safe learning and working environment for students and staff.

Troubling incidents of discrimination and harassment at Ukrainian universities underscore the need for proactive responses from both educational institutions and the state. While gender audits and policy updates by the Ministry of Education signal a commitment to improvement, these initiatives must be effectively implemented. Ensuring a secure environment for students remains a critical priority for the development of Ukraine’s higher education system.

In light of these troubling revelations, it's crucial to examine how universities are responding to allegations of student rights violations. For instance, a new commission has been established at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv to address such issues, highlighting the need for systematic reforms across higher education institutions in Ukraine.