Univ sociology HOD denies allegations of caste discrimination and mental harassment made by protesting students
A group of 20-30 students from the sociology department held a protest inside the department building at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) against Head of Department Professor Shruti Tambe, on Friday. The students have alleged 'caste based discrimination' and mental harassment by Tambe. However Tambe has firmly denied the allegations of caste discrimination, and said that she trusts the administrative process to resolve the issues with the students amicably. A separate group of students have also come out in support of Tambe.
In a meeting with the HOD and faculty members on March 29, the students said that they raised issues of discriminatory remarks, irregular attendance marking, and mental harassment, and other issues. A document recording minutes of this meeting contained the signatures of 50 students. However some students now say that their signature was obtained improperly and that they do not support the contents of the document. Subsequently on April 12, the group of students sent a written complaint to the Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi spelling out their complaints. The students say that their concerns have not been addressed despite this.
Speaking with The Indian Express, Abhijeet Vaidye, a second-year Master's student, said, 'HoD Dr Shruti Tambe has been making repeated taunts during lectures and outside the classroom about student's attire, personal circumstances, and one's background, leading to mental distress and harassment as we experienced it being targeted at students from certain so called backward communities. The HoD used terms like 'Chappri' against a group of students, which is really disrespectful and has affected our mental health.'
Denying this allegation, Tambe said, 'I have never ever used anything like that. Not even in my dreams. Forget about when I am in my senses. And 34 years I have been teaching. I have been writing, reading the Phule Ambedkarite Shahu tradition. I have never ever used such language to demean anyone.'
She further added, 'The information of the students' sit-in has come to my notice. I have always tried to conduct myself in good faith and with empathy. I have trust in the administrative process and the student community and I believe that the issues will be resolved amicably very soon.' Vice Chancellor Gosavi told The Indian Express that he was in Bangalore on the day of the protest and would address the issue after returning to Pune.
A student who said that his signature was obtained improperly backed Tambe and said, 'I have not heard the alleged discriminatory statements being made or even heard from others that they were made by the HOD. I would have supported the protestors if I knew anything like this had happened. We had met with the HOD for a different issue in the department, but these unrelated issues were inserted in the document after we signed it.'
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