BENGALURU: A girl student of Christ University has posted a letter on her blog alleging sexual harassment by the faculty members at the campus. The blog post went viral, bringing the university into the spotlight, where it has been these past few days for all the wrong reasons.
The letter posted by the student reads, “As a student at the Main Campus of Christ University, my heart goes out to all the students protesting at the new Bannerghatta campus. It is perfectly legitimate to protest against the unjust practices that are employed in that campus. While their issues range from infrastructural problems to downright absurdity, the students on the Main Campus, particularly girls, grapple with increasing sexualisation and sexual harassment. Yes, we feel increasingly vulnerable and it’s about time this issue was addressed.”
She goes on to accuse a Father, “a powerful figure in the University administration”, and a professor of sexual harassment.
She talks of instances where the faculty members have made inappropriate remarks to her and her friends. She says they have been subjected to character assassination several times on the campus.
“All these instances have left me quite agitated. One might say that there are several avenues within the university where such issues might be taken up, but I beg you to reconsider. The Student Council is a farce, filled with sycophants, who merely serve the imperial edicts of the administration. The “Open Forum” wherein students are allowed to discuss issues ailing them has no powers, recommendatory or otherwise.”
Her blog adds, “When I told my counsellor about my Additional English professor, she suggested that my teacher was being “friendly” and I should adopt a less guarded demeanour. She is one of the many who help legitimise inappropriate advances under the pretext of “cordial behaviours”. This is done strictly under the instruction of the administration that has, time and again, stifled and threatened students who spoke up against such harassment. (Each class is appointed a counsellor for student welfare.)”
Express’s efforts to get in touch with the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Christ University went in vain.