The scandal at the Music Academy is gaining momentum: a new whistleblower message has been received 0 14

In this regard, the case continues to be reviewed, as the State Labor Inspectorate (SLI) needs to verify the information contained in this whistleblower message as well.

As previously reported, the SLI has initiated an administrative case regarding possible violations of labor rights at JVLMA. In October of last year, the SLI reported that the factual circumstances of the case are being clarified and evidence is being gathered, but no decisions have been made yet.

JVLMA associate professor and composer Erik Eshenwalds accused the academy in an open letter of possible conflicts of interest and illegal structural changes; however, the academy rejected these accusations as unfounded. In a letter to the Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, he indicated that after the new rector of JVLMA took office, the selection of staff was conducted non-transparently, without open competitions, certain employees' salaries were unjustifiably increased, and the principles of equal rights were violated.

The SLI has initiated administrative cases regarding unpaid wages, in which Eshenwalds was recognized as a victim. According to him, the damage caused to him amounts to "several hundred" euros, but considering other involved colleagues, "the amounts may reach several tens of thousands of euros."

He also claimed that the structural changes carried out last summer do not comply with regulatory requirements, including the principle of good governance. The position of Vice-Rector for Finance and Development was allegedly created and filled in violation of the established legal procedure, without the involvement of the university senate. The former director of the State Land Service, Solvita Zvidrinja, was appointed to this position. Eshenwalds expressed concern about possible personal interest, as Zvidrinja had previously worked with the current member of the JVLMA council, former Minister of Culture Helena Demakova.

Eshenwalds claimed that he did not receive the requested protocols or extracts from the minutes of the council meetings during the period when Zvidrinja was appointed as vice-rector and structural changes were made, which deprived him of the opportunity to appeal these decisions in Academic Arbitration. In his opinion, "selective issuance of decisions" also does not comply with the principles of good governance and transparency.

The letter also expressed concerns about the quality of education. In order to save costs, the number of contact hours was reduced in certain programs, which does not comply with accredited curricula and may harm the reputation of JVLMA, Eshenwalds claimed.

According to him, the academy council has repeatedly exceeded its authority, including attempting to influence the directions and choice of topics for scientific activities and failing to ensure transparency in decision-making.

He called on the Ministry of Culture to conduct an audit of the governance of JVLMA, its legality, and labor organization.

JVLMA disagreed with the accusations, emphasizing that claims, for example, about the increase in the number of violations, "are not based on facts," according to the university's response to the LETA agency.

The academy allegedly provided answers to all questions raised by Eshenwalds. Furthermore, Eshenwalds did not utilize the whistleblower legal protection mechanism, but only submitted several applications.

JVLMA emphasized that it adheres to the principle of equal rights for both academic and administrative staff as well as students. Major decisions are made "democratically" and coordinated with the senate and the academy council, with the participation of student self-government. The majority of teachers support the changes made and participate in improving pedagogical and artistic activities, the academy notes.

As previously reported, the change in leadership at JVLMA occurred last spring after the former rector of the university, Guntars Praniš, resigned under public pressure due to a scandal involving sexual harassment by certain academy teachers. He was succeeded by Ilona Meija.