We need zero tolerance for plagiarism, and the new education laws must include explicit provisions on preventing and punishing this toxic phenomenon of the educational environment, said President Klaus Iohannis on Monday morning, at the opening of the university year at the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest.
"If the act of creation is the fruit of freedom, education is the root from which it grows and gives birth to a society with vertical people, able to bring out their talent and skills, both for personal fulfillment and for the common good. For this reason, I am convinced that we need a deep reform of the educational system, to adapt it to the needs of the 21st century and to the European values we believe in. One of these values is integrity, which is why I want a radical, unequivocal paradigm in guaranteeing integrity and ethics in academic life," said Iohannis, told Agerpres.
He added that "the stake in this regard is the very credibility of the higher education system and research in Romania, but also our future as a democratic society".
"It must become clear that obtaining an academic diploma is an honour and is conditioned exclusively by real merit. An educated Romania will have to be a correct Romania, without any exception," said Iohannis.
The head of state voiced his appreciation for the stance of the University of Architecture towards any fraud attempts.
"I want this to be an example of public responsibility for the Romanian academic community," said President Iohannis.