The State Duma consolidated spiritual and moral values ​​in the education system

State Duma deputies adopted amendments in the third reading, according to which the Russian education system must comply with the principles of humanism. However, we are not talking about humanism in general, but about those humanistic values ​​that correspond to “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.” Text of amendments entitled “Sovereign Education” published in the State Duma database.

The amendments clarify the “principle of the humanistic nature of education” in the law “On Education in the Russian Federation.” “Humanism, precisely as the basis of state policy and legal regulation in the relevant area, should not be interpreted in a universally abstract sense, but must be disclosed and implemented in practice in accordance with traditional Russian spiritual and moral values,” the explanatory note says.

The amendments will oblige teachers to form among pupils and students “a sense of patriotism, respect for the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland and the exploits of the Heroes of the Fatherland, law and order, working people and the older generation, mutual respect, respect for the cultural heritage, and traditions of a multinational people.”

The point about the integration of Russian education with the educational systems of other countries now sounds differently. Instead of the clause “creating favorable conditions for the integration of the education system with the education systems of other states on an equal and mutually beneficial basis,” the law now states: “scientifically based development of the education system of the Russian Federation, taking into account its historical heritage, long-term objectives for the development of the state and society and ensuring favorable conditions for interaction with the education systems of other states on an equal and mutually beneficial basis.”

According to the deputies, the amendments will contribute to the development of education in accordance with national interests, and will also increase “confidence in the measures taken for such development.” The amendments were based on President Vladimir Putin’s decree of November 9, 2022, “Fundamentals of state policy for the preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.”

Anastasia Larina