A shameful incident took place at the Burewala sub-campus of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. A video circulating on social media shows a female student requesting for just two grace marks from her teacher, something many students commonly ask for. Instead of behaving professionally, the teacher gives unethical and unacceptable signals to her. What should have been a simple academic discussion turned into a disturbing and humiliating experience for the student.
Institutions are responsible for protecting the students from harassment and misuse of authority. The accused should be punished as per the relevant law, and the university administration must take serious and immediate steps to prevent such incidents.
Another important point is that the marking system should not be in the hands of class teachers. In many developed and well-structured education systems, marks are kept confidential, and examination papers are evaluated by an independent third party. This ensures transparency, and reduces the chances of any teacher using grades as a tool for exploitation. Our universities should adopt the same practice. We should stand with students who raise their voice against harassment, and should never question their choices. Only by demanding strict and exemplary punishment can we make campuses safe, giving our girls the confidence they need in life.
ZEESHAN SOOMRO
LARKANA
