On 22 November, the Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI), with the support of USAID Rule of Law Program, organized the meeting at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. Up to 40 students, lecturers, and university administrative staff attended the event. 

The topic of the meeting was freedom of religion and belief and equality. TDI representatives and the participants discussed the international and national standards and practices related to protecting and promoting equality and religious and cultural diversity at educational institutions and workplaces.

Additionally, Eka Lomtatidze, the human rights lawyer and author of TDI’s research documents, overviewed the main findings of two studies: 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.

The meeting was interactive and included discussion. TDI previously organized a similar forum at Tbilisi State University and plans to hold further discussions at various regional and Tbilisi higher educational institutions.