COIMBATORE: In a path-breaking move that could redefine inclusivity in higher education in the state, Bharathiar University (BU) has decided to build a dedicated hostel for transgender students to provide a safe, friendly and supportive learning environment for them. The university syndicate has given its approval for the plan at a meeting held last week.
Bharathiar University registrar R Rajavel told TNIE that the university currently has 10 hostels for male and female students but no facility for transgender students.
“Members of the transgender community have started entering higher education, and this has been welcomed. However, as there is no hostel facility in educational institutions and finding rental rooms is difficult, many give up their higher-education dream, which also affects their career.
Considering this, we passed a resolution to provide a dedicated hostel facility for transgender students on the university campus. The initiative will set an example for other educational institutions in caring for transgender students,” he said.
Rajavel said the planned hostel will have around 20 rooms. Students can use the facility till they complete their courses. “At present, only a handful of transgender students are pursuing higher education, but if we ensure a hostel, enrolment may increase,” he said.
‘Trans persons must also get exclusive quota’
Welcoming the decision, Yashmita, a transgender student, said, “I am from Gudalur in the Nilgiris district and I am in the first year of the M Com (FCA) programme at Bharathiar University.
I searched for rented rooms near the university, but many landlords denied me accommodation because I am a trans person. Finally, I found a tiny house in Vellalore, which is an hour away.”
She pointed out that many transgender people do not pursue higher education, and said that if institutions create such facilities, transgender students may be encouraged to enrol for higher education. Lauding the university’s decision, transgender activist and writer Kalki Subramaniam told TNIE that no other institution in Tamil Nadu has taken up such an initiative.
Association of University Teachers (Zone IV) chairman A Balasankar also welcomed the initiative, stating that as India is moving toward inclusive education, the rights of transgender communities must be ensured. He also stressed that they should be given separate reservation.