The Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI), with the support of USAID Rule of Law Program, organized a meeting at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University to discuss freedom of religion and equality under the law.   Approximately 40 students, lecturers, and university administrative staff attended the event.

Mariam Gavtadze, Strategic Litigation and Advocacy Program Director of TDI and her colleagues led the discussion about international and national standards, as well as practices related to protecting and promoting equality, religious and cultural diversity at educational institutions/workplaces.

The attendees also heard the main findings of two studies prepared by TDI with USAID Rule of Law Program support. These studies were: 1) the international legal standards and practices on accommodating religious holidays and rest days for religious/ethnic minorities, and 2) comparative legal research on national standards for using religious symbols and clothing at the workplace and educational institutions. 

During the meeting, students asked questions and expressed opinions on how to guarantee freedom of religion in practice and how to accommodate various religious and cultural needs in academic institutions and the workplace.

TDI previously organized a similar meeting at Tbilisi State University and plans to hold further discussions at various regional and Tbilisi higher educational institutions.