Russian students are beginning the new school year under heightened surveillance and anti-migrant measures, reflecting the broader security concerns stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Schools across the country have implemented new protocols to monitor students and staff, citing national security as the primary justification. These measures include increased security personnel, surveillance cameras, and mandatory reporting procedures that have created a climate of vigilance.
The anti-migrant policies have also been reinforced in educational institutions, with reports of increased scrutiny of students with foreign backgrounds. This has led to a more segregated environment, where discussions about the war and its impact on migration are central to the curriculum. Educators are navigating the challenge of balancing academic instruction with the need to address the geopolitical tensions affecting their students’ lives.
Parents and educators are expressing concerns about the psychological impact on children, with many noting that the new measures have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. While the government maintains that these steps are necessary for national security, critics argue that they are contributing to a climate of mistrust and division within the educational system. The situation highlights the complex interplay between education and national security in the context of ongoing conflict.