Daniel Kontowski’s Post

I resigned as Associate Director for Education at the School of Advanced Studies, University of Tyumen, in Russia. SAS attracted me as an incredibly ambitious institution. It offered a window for the world, unusually in Siberia rather than the capitals. It was going against the stereotypes. While not ideal (no organization is), I had a genuine feeling that our community was making a difference. I did not post about this experience because I had no time and energy left. There was always more to do, but we were making sizable progress. SAS - as a project and a promise - became part of my identity. I was shocked and appalled by the war and the human tragedy in Ukraine, just as about any of my colleagues and students there. And my stance is that this changes everything. Continued association with a Russian public institution, educational or otherwise, is not compatible with my moral code and I believe people should take a stance in a situation like this. I do not think the benefits of affecting students outweigh the culpability of legitimizing the system while operating in the shrinking space of what is still allowed.  Currently, those not supporting the war are stretched between pain, fear, shame, and apathy. Some speak out while some do not. To me, if we cannot discuss with students what is happening, it is difficult to see how liberal arts education (as I understand it) can do its work. I recognize that other people can have a different perspective on those things but this is where I stand. I know what I can and cannot do. I am devastated. Thinking about our Siberian miracle machine feels like a heartbreak now. We have the best students who make incredible progress. I hope they will find ways to actualize their potential. I think warmly about the administration, staff, and fellow professors at SAS who make that actualization possible. I wish them a bright future they are working so hard to achieve. I never imagined I would be leaving the institution I put thousands of hours into creating so abruptly. In the past few days, I could barely put any words in order - even though I spent the past 2.5 years communicating to everyone about almost anything. 95% of my belongings are still in Siberia.  I am in Berlin with one suitcase, some great memories and a big worry about the future. If you know of somebody who can use a person like me, please consider putting us in touch.