He peered at my suit and said I looked smart: student cries for justice

Bengaluru: On Monday, a student of a leading university in the city sent shock waves on the campus by posting an article on a website under the title “A Plea For Respect: Christ University Student Complains Of Sexual Harassment On Campus.”

This article has been published on youthkiawaaz.com, a popular website among college students.

The girl student, who has remained anonymous, highlights issues ranging from infrastructure problems to sexual harassment. “Yes, we feel increasingly vulnerable and it’s about time this issue was addressed," she writes.

“It was in my first semester that a particular issue with regard to my assignment brought me to the office of a member of the management, a powerful figure in the Christ administration and a professor. Pleasantries aside, he sent jitters down my spine. He proceeded to peer at my rather fitting suit and commented that I looked smart. But, he wouldn’t stop at that. He said he wished girls dressed as smart as I did in a tone that reeked of conceit, knowing fully that I wouldn’t bring it up ever because he was an influential man. He was the very man who has allegedly been accused of sexual harassment previously as well. Initially, I refused to subscribe to such claims. But, the menacing glance and smirk on his face was enough to prove otherwise. His notoriety preceded himself. The smugness with which he goes about his daily activities without a care for repercussions of his deplorable behaviour is rather frightening. All I could do was to make a mental note never to visit him alone.

“In another instance, a professor in the English Department flirted with me and wondered if I might be lured into watching a movie with him. A normal conversation within the confines of a classroom in the presence of other students didn’t deter him from asking me something as absurd. This is a man who has posed similar questions to other female students on several occasions. Despite a negative faculty evaluation on the part of the students, he continues to teach in Christ. The same professor asked a male friend about the “maal” he’s managed to “score” among his female classmates. Yes, girls are goods and we definitely fancy being ‘scored’. I met him a few days into the new academic year and a mere handshake lingered a minute too long before I pulled it back in disgust. My counsellor suggested that my teacher was being “friendly” and I should adopt a less guarded demeanour. She is one among 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.

“A friend was pulled up by the counsellor for her appearance. Apparently, her “made up” face and “excessive”lipstick is the reason why she had low attendance and also happens to distract boys in class. The very claim is outrageous, reeking of a superior attitude. Moreover, the absurdity of the non-existent correlation is amusing. Similarly, another girl was subjected to some harsh character assassination when the Dean accused her of being “unmoralistic” for carrying lipstick and wearing leggings. I understand that the latter is against college rules, but that definitely doesn’t warrant such comments marring one’s personal reputation. There is nothing to suggest that carrying a lipstick is against college rules. This girl was left in tears, with nowhere to go.

"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. Moreover, the faculty in Christ turn students against each other, crushing any expressions of solidarity. We sit in classes infested with snitches waiting for an opportunity to witness the legendary fall of the brave and outspoken. I was advised against reporting this matter to the NAAC members who visited our campus a year earlier simply because it would most certainly lead to my expulsion. Fear and insecurities rule the lives of students within the campus for one simply cannot risk an issue with the almighty management.”