According to a recent publication by the Moscow Times, a renowned Russian college has threatened one of its male students over the fact that the boy has a pink phone case.
The university claims that the color of the phone accessory proves that the student is gay, which is not openly approved by higher education institutions in the country. Not only that but the Ural State University of Economics (USUE) claims to have gone through the student’s social media profiles and to have found substantial proof of their claims there.
The student has been actively declining such accusations and saying he is straight. Unfortunately, he still might face expulsion if the university decides his sexuality is a problem for faculty and peers.
Russian colleges and social climate
While the world has gradually become to accept people with different sexuality, and equality education is becoming a requirement in western schools, Russian colleges, and society, have a long way to go.
Recently, the Russian government passed a propaganda ban law, which prohibits the spread and distribution of any information related to non-traditional sexual relationships.
Such legislature is exceptionally harmful to the mind and psyche of LGBTQ members of society. Generally, the majority of Russians are not welcoming towards LGBTQ people.
Pink phone case
What is even more frustrating is that the accusations for the student were solely based on the color of his phone case.
This accusation means that youth in Russia is severely limited in terms of self-expression, not to mention the danger that LGBTQ students are in. Education should not be hindered by the fact that a government is conservative, and especially not because of discrimination based on students’ sexual preferences.
Hopefully, the political and social landscape in Russia will soon change, as the current situation challenges free access to education for a number of students.
