University evading sexual harassment allegations brought to accountability!

In June 2021, allegations of sexual harassment at Christ (Deemed-to-be) University surfaced across news platforms. Following this, an outpour of social media reports and interactions with current and former students of the institution revealed Christ to have had a history of inappropriate behaviour by staff, ranging from moral policing, threatening as a “disciplining” tactic, arbitrary punishments and rampant sexism. Such grievances existed long before the 2021 allegations came to light.

Jhatkaa launched a petition demanding the University Grants Commission (UGC) to send a firm follow-up notice to the college demanding that they submit their post-inquiry report, ensure that the identified perpetrator(s) is dismissed, and make recommendations for the long-term safety of students and oversee their implementation. In August, we visited the UGC in Bangalore to discuss the safety guidelines breached at Christ University.

For over three months, we campaigned relentlessly in order for Christ to take notice, and it finally paid off. The UGC ollowed up with the college and instructed them to send an action report regarding their inquiry into the sexual harassment allegations!