GNLU Alumni Write To The University To Create Robust Institutional Mechanism To Deal With Sexual Harassment Complaints

Further, the Alumni also urged the University to clarify the circumstances behind the administration's actions and failure to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of the students.

While drawing the University's attention to some of the crucial issues that need urgent action, the Alumni, at the same time, also averred that these incidents should not be used as an excuse to monitor, police, or curtail the students' liberties. Imposing discriminatory rules for women in hostels as compared to male students, issuing overt or covert gag orders against students using social media, canceling events, etc., were some of the examples cited in this respect.

It may be recalled that last September, the Gujarat High Court took a suo moto cognizance of a newspaper report about two incidents concerning the GNLU, Gandhinagar. The report contained rape allegations which a second-year law student leveled against her batchmate, and alleged harassment was meted out to a male student for being queer. Currently, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P. Mayee is seized of the matter.

Describing the sealed cover report submitted by the reconstituted Fact-Finding Committee, which was constituted to look into the allegations, as "scary", the Court, in its latest hearing, asserted that the GNLU administration had deliberately concealed the entirety of the incident.

The court also observed that this was not an isolated occurrence, as the committee report had indicated that similar incidents had transpired on the campus. The Court added that the affairs at the GNLU and its faculty members required a high-level inquiry.

Against this backdrop, over 350 alumni have endorsed a letter to the University's administration asking it to take urgent action on some of the crucial issues.

At the outset, the University has been urged to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, discrimination, and violence of all forms, especially towards vulnerable and marginalized groups of people.

The issues also include establishing an independent change-making committee, similar to the UGC Saksham Committee, comprising academics, civil society actors, and experts in gender, sexuality, and inclusive action. This committee will draw upon the mandate of the Fact-Finding Committee and work towards structural reforms to make the GNLU campus a safe and survivor-friendly space.

The letter has also averred the University to ensure that no retributive action is taken against any student or individual who chooses to speak to this independent committee. Further, their anonymity, safety, and security should be safeguarded.

In furtherance of this, the administration has been urged to create an anonymous feedback system, given the nature of the allegations raised, and to conduct independent enquiries regarding them.

The alumni have also stressed that confidentiality is maintained and privacy is respected at all levels, particularly those of students and staff.

Ultimately, the letter also averred for the reconstituted Internal Complaint Committee to be functional.

Notably, the University was also urged to “Conduct gender and sexuality sensitisation sessions about sexual harassment, the GNLU POSH Regulations and the POSH Act for all staff, faculty, the dean and governance council, and students of GNLU immediately and regularly.”

It was further advocated that the sensitization programmes/sessions should include promoting awareness of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, as some students might be under 18 years of age.

Some of the other highlighted issues were conducting training sessions for the members of the Internal Committee of GNLU and ensuring that resources and support are available on campus to address the serious mental health considerations adequately.

University's Response

In a response mailed on the next date (March 12), the University stated that it is committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards these incidents. We share your urgency in ensuring GNLU remains a safe and secure campus for all., the response read. 

With respect to the formation of an independent change-making committee, the administration agreed. It also assured that that no adverse action will be taken against any student or individual who chooses to speak to this committee. Further, an anonymous feedback system will be established to allow for independent inquiries into allegations raised and ensure confidentiality.

It was also ensured that the reconstituted Internal Committee was functional. As far as Sensitization Programs are concerned, it was stated that these are being conducted regularly for all staff, faculty, and students of GNLU on sexual harassment laws, regulations, and related acts.

The response also outlined that the University is committed to protecting the members of the queer community on campus from discrimination, violence, harassment, or ill-treatment.

It also mentioned that the University is ensuring that resources and support are readily available on campus and online 24 x 7 to address mental health considerations arising from such instances.

Lastly, the alumni was assured that these incidents would not be used as excuses to curtail students' liberties. We will refrain from imposing discriminatory rules or issuing gag orders against students., the response read.