It was not classes as usual on Wednesday at the premier National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. The choice of clothing of a student – a pair of shorts – triggered an ‘inappropriate remark’ by a professor on Monday. Two days later, the entire class expressed solidarity with the aggrieved student by turning up in shorts.
It all started when a third-year BA, LLB (Hons) student wore shorts to class on Monday. According to a student, “On noticing the shorts, the professor chastised her before the entire class by asking her to ‘dress properly’. The student was deeply uncomfortable with the remark, as were many of us, since we do not think it is correct for a teacher to impose his/her notions about appropriate clothing upon students.”
When she objected to his comments, the professor reportedly rebuked her allegedly with more inappropriate remarks. The professor allegedly cast aspersions on her ‘character’, saying she could choose to ‘come to class without a dress also’.
On Wednesday, the students came up with their unique protest against the alleged derogatory remarks.
The students are now demanding the setting up of an independent fact-finding committee to look into the incident.
In a statement, students said: “It is not our intention to colour the professor as sexist… We leave it to an independent enquiry to pass judgment. Our point is that derogatory remarks were passed against our batchmate that no teacher should, and there is a patent lack of responsibility being displayed about the same.”
Vice-Chancellor R. Venkata Rao said, “A faculty meeting is being convened on April 11 to discuss the incident.”
Statement by students of
third year B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)
We find such behaviour extremely unacceptable, especially from a professor, who students are expected to consider as a role model. The behaviour goes against the spirit of this institution. Therefore, we believe it is imperative that such aberrant actions be denounced by the university with immediate effect. We also demand that a public apology be issued by the teacher in question to the student and the institution as a whole.
