Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• Minister of Education Ina Druviete asserts that the will be no major changes in bilingual education system
• Rector of the University of Latvia Marcis Auzins: requirements for state language proficiency for foreign lecturers are absurd

Vesti Segodnya reports about a meeting of the President of Latvia Andris Berzins with the Minister of Education Ina Druviete. The President asked the Minister to clarify her position regarding the plans to transfer education in ethnic minority schools into Latvian language. According to the Minister Druviete, there will be no radical reform and the Education law will not be changed. The newspaper says that the Minister’s tactic is to persuade school directors to use model of bilingual education which foresees proportion 80/20 instead of the most widespread model 60/40 – which means that all subjects except Russian language and literature will be thought in Latvian language.  The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia, in its turn, plans to hold another picket for children’s right to receive education in native language on 20 March.

Rector of the University of Latvia Marcis Auzins stated that the existing regulations on state language proficiency requirements for university lecturers are absurd and hinder attraction of foreign lecturers for permanent work in Latvian universities. In order to get permanent employment as a staff member at Latvian higher education establishment, the lecturer has to have the certificate of the highest state language level. Vesti Segodnya