Moscow to Use 'Harsh Measures' to Stem Ethnic Clashes in Universities

Kirstie Stofanik
February 23rd
On February 3rd in Vienna it was reported that clashes between students of different ethnic backgrounds have became so frequent and violent that the Russian government has decided to take action by expelling students involved as well as screen those applying to study in Moscow who comes from non-Russian groups inside the Russian Federation or abroad. These plans and actions are the product of several months of meetings and reflect the way in which ethnic conflicts are now involving not just street battles between Russian workers and unemployed citizens but also clashes by members of more elite groups of both. Although the violence may be reduced, a problem arises with this police involvement because it will also exacerbate the ethnic feelings of both Russians, who feel the police are taking their side and non-Russians, who would feel the police, are against them. The government also plans to ask universities to organize special "operational groups of students" who will react quickly to any conflicts that may arise between members of different national groups and take quick action to prevent such clashes from getting out of hand. The number of non-Russian students in Moscow is very large. 120,000 foreign students are in Russia now and the majorities are from the former Soviet republics. In addition, there are tens of thousands of students who are Russian citizens but members of non-Russian nationalities.
Because of the large numbers of foreign students and the degree of violence I feel that the government is making the right decision with stepping in although it may cause controversy. I agree with the idea to create “operational groups of students” as well as their idea to expel those students involved in the violence. I feel the when students realize that there are serious actions being taken the acts of violence will decrease. I believe the universities would benefit greatly by the idea of making the screening process a bit more intense for foreign exchange students because I believe they will see the true intentions and aspirations of the student applying. The students may feel the government is taking sides for providing police enforcement but I do not really see any other great options to putting a stop to or decreasing these ethnic crimes.