Sexual Harassment at Madras University
She along with 4 other students approached the HOD regarding discrepancies in semester exam scores. And due to involvement in the previous protests of college, regarding hostel fees, the university failed the students in the exam. However, after revaluation, all the students were allotted passing marks.
The HOD began touching her inappropriately during the conversation after which he also started pushing her on the chest, abusing her calling her weak and powerless. He even pushed one of the male students who tried to protect her.
Despite being a Professor of a renowned university, he did not even hesitate for a minute before acting in such a manner with a student. He might have been sure about it not affecting him don't you think?
In such renowned universities where students from all over the world get into for acquiring knowledge and experience, with complete faith in the staff and the faculty of the university thinking it to be better and safe. And when such an incident happens there isn't any support from the staff or the faculties or even the committees made for the welfare and growth of the students which this is simply sad!
When she decided to raise a voice against it and complain about it to the internal complaints committee, she came through a very unexpected investigation in which she was already announced as the culprit.
She was asked questions about her behavior and character. But why was she being investigated or asked such questions instead of the HOD? Shouldn’t the committee question the HOD about his character or morals?
The internal complaints committee of the University being completely biased on the situation only tried to convince the victim that it was just a misunderstanding and a mistake!
Mistake? How can someone touch you 3 times by mistake???
After giving up on the committee of the university, she tried to get help from the cops who denied lodging the complaint.
On Sunday, the victim was rushed to the hospital after she tried to hurt herself in the washroom of the university. The officials said that she took the extreme step after the inquiry by the internal complaints committee (ICC).
I do not know what is safe anymore but the least I could expect from my government is safety at education institutes and the workplace. The harassment cases in universities and workspace have risen a lot. An individual cannot be caged in a house and if all the places seem dangerous, then we wouldn't be left with many options.
If we have come to a situation where we need to be afraid of our teachers then it must be dark times.
They are supposed to be the pillars of knowledge and morals and that shouldn't be otherwise!
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