Representatives of a university in Nalchik have rejected the theory that there was an attempt to evict dormitory residents.
The management of the Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University is not forcing former employees to vacate their dormitory in Nalchik, but is merely clarifying the grounds for their continued residence there, university representatives stated in response to residents' complaints. The university's grounds have been fenced off in accordance with anti-terrorism legislation, they explained.
As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on February 21, residents of the dormitory at the Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University complained to the republican and Russian authorities about eviction demands. They claimed to maintain the building themselves and have completed major renovations, but received notices to vacate the premises, and meetings with the rector yielded no results.
The dormitory is home to 47 families of former employees of the agricultural university who were laid off in 2017 without being offered alternative employment. They were on a waiting list for housing, but the waiting list was eliminated. On February 22, the Investigative Committee reported opening a criminal case for abuse of power. The elimination of the housing waiting list, the blocking of the dormitory courtyard exit, and the university's ignoring of residents' complaints "created unbearable living conditions," the department stated.
KBGAU's response to the former employees' complaints, signed by trade union chair Yulia Kumysheva, was published today by Gazeta Yuga.
A university representative noted that the information about "access to city infrastructure being blocked due to the blocking of the gate and access doors" is untrue. "Student Dormitory No. 2 is located on the university's fenced, guarded grounds. Access is through the checkpoint on Tarchokova Street and through the central checkpoint from Lenin Avenue 1v. The distance is no more than 100 meters, and direct access to city infrastructure is provided 24/7," the publication quotes her letter.
Back in June 2025, university management notified former employees, who had lived in the university dormitory since 1987, of their eviction without provision of alternative housing. Former university employees then stated that, on the orders of the new rector, the gate and entrance to the university grounds were closed "without any warning," and that during a personal meeting, the rector made "insults and threats to prevent us from complaining."
The university grounds are designated as public gathering places, and all buildings, including Student Dormitory No. 2, are included in the list of facilities subject to anti-terrorism protection in accordance with a Russian government decree, noted Yulia Kumysheva.
The allegations of ill-treatment or threats are untrue.
She also noted that KBSU Rector Zaurbi Shkhagapsoev has been working since February 3, 2025, "exclusively within the framework of current legislation." "Allegations of ill-treatment or threats allegedly committed by university administration are untrue. The university is open to dialogue and is prepared to engage in constructive discussions regarding student and staff living conditions," the university's response states.
The information regarding the eviction is distorted, the document emphasizes. "The notices sent to residents are for informational purposes only and are intended to establish the legal basis for their residence. Sending such notices to all residents does not automatically imply the application of any measures—legal assessments are conducted individually," explained a representative of KBGAU.
According to her, given the limited number of spaces and the planned major renovation of the dormitory, "the university is obliged to ensure the intended and legal use of the housing stock and prevent the residence of individuals who do not have legal grounds for it."
"No decisions have been made regarding mass evictions, forced vacancies, or restrictions on the legal rights of residents. Information about the 'eviction of all residents' and the 'closure of the territory' is an incorrect interpretation of the organizational and legal measures being taken," the letter cites KBGAU's version.
Where should I house the students?
As a reminder, in June In 2025, KBGAU Rector Zaurbi Shkhagapsoev explained to the "Caucasian Knot" that he was forced to evict former employees from the dormitory because the students had nowhere to live. "They've already been living there for 30-40 years without any legal basis. Where am I supposed to house the students?" he said.
The Housing Code allows employers to evict former employees from specialized housing, lawyer Oleg Sergeev noted at the same time. However, according to him, individuals who have no other housing and are registered as needing housing cannot be evicted from official housing without providing alternative housing. Families of military personnel, law enforcement officers, pensioners, and the disabled cannot be evicted. Also, citizens who were provided with housing in a dormitory before March 1, 2005 – before the Housing Code came into effect – who are registered as needing housing cannot be evicted without being provided with alternative housing.