The Public Defender echoes the rules and requirements of Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film State University for drama department competition (creative round) for the academic years of 2017-2018, before the national exams, according to which, it is checked in the first round of theater/cinema actor’s program concentration whether the applicant has an irreparable organic defect, which is incompatible with the professional requirements.

The right to education, which, among others, includes higher education, should be available for all people without discrimination, as the unimpeded enjoyment of this right is related to the individual's independent choice and personal development.

The Public Defender believes that the mentioned formulation of the competition requirements of the Theater University is degrading and offensive for persons with disabilities and the entrants who have health problems. Similar requirement is not justified by any legitimate purpose and unjustifiably restricts the mentioned groups’ opportunities to acquire actor's profession.

The Public Defender calls on Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film University to remove the discriminatory phrase from the competition rules and protect the principle of equality in relation to any entrant.