Ragging & sexual harassment is perceived to violate an individual’s dignity. It has ruined countless innocent lives and careers. The responsibility of universities (and colleges) as modern educational institutions is not only to treat women students and all youth regardless of gender as citizens who have a right to safety but to assist them physically, emotionally and intellectually to claim that right and seek to expand its contours. Every effort also needs to be made to provide the college and university community with an atmosphere in which education (in both ‘universes’ of citizenship and of knowledge) can be freely and fearlessly pursued. In more senses than one, these educational spaces need nurturing, to enhance capacity to anticipate new realities and set the terms of a truly democratic, libratory discourse for society at large.
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women adopted the following recommendation:
- Gender based violence is a form of discrimination which seriously inhibits women’s ability to enjoy rights and freedom on the basis of equality with men.
- The National Policy for Empowerment of Women (2001), Government of India, had emphasized the elimination of discrimination and all forms of violence against women in both the public and the private sphere. Institutions and mechanisms /schemes for assistance are to be created and strengthened for prevention of such violence including sexual harassment at education sector and workplace.
- The college is committed to equal opportunities and to providing an environment in which all Faculties, staff and students are treated with dignity and respect and in which they can work and study free from any type of discrimination, harassment, or victimization. All members of College are responsible for upholding this policy and should act in accordance with the policy guidance in the course of their day-to-day work. Offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Harassment is a serious offence which is punishable under the College’s disciplinary procedures.
- Harassment is unwanted conduct on the grounds of sex, marital status, gender reassignment, race, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Harassment on grounds of sex, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age may amount to unlawful discrimination. Harassment may also breach other legislation and may in some circumstances be a criminal offence. Harassment may occur through the use of internet, email, or telephone.
STEPS TO TAKE IF BEING SEXUALLY HARASSED
- Know your rights: Sexual harassment is illegal, both the law of the land and the University prohibit sexual harassment. Speak up, if you can and tell the person to stop. State clearly and firmly that you want a particular behavior to cease. Get information and support, if you feel you cannot speak up, ask your friends to help you and bring it to the notice of the University/ college. Keep records that might be useful for pursuing the case.
- Do not blame yourself: Sexual harassment is not something one brings upon oneself. It is not a consequence of certain ways of dressing or acting. It is a violation of an individual’s right to work and live with dignity.
- Do not ignore it: Ignoring sexual harassment does not make it go away. The harasser may misinterpret the lack of response as approval of such behavior.
- 4. Do not delay: Delay in action increases the probability that unwanted behavior will continue or escalate. Protracted delay could prevent CASH from formally dealing with such complaints. See Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and CASH Complaints Committee (CEC) rules stated below.
- Do not hesitate to ask for help: Speaking up may prevent others from being harmed as well.
In summary, examples of behavior that may constitute harassment are:
- Verbal or Physical threats.
- Insulting, Abusive, Embarrassing or Patronizing behavior or Comments.
- Offensive gestures, Language, Rumors, Gossip or Jokes.
- Humiliating, Intimidating, Demeaning and/or Persistent criticism, Open hostility.
- Suggestive comments or Body language.
- Isolation or Exclusion from normal work or study place.
- Publishing, Circulating or Displaying pornographic, Racist, Sexually suggestive or Otherwise offensive pictures or Other materials.
- Unwanted physical contact, Ranging from an invasion of space to a serious assault (The above list is not intended to be exhaustive).
The following is also sexual harassment and is covered by the committee
- Eve-teasing
- Unsavory remarks
- Jokes causing or likely to cause awkwardness or embarrassment
- Innuendos and taunts
- Gender based insults or sexist remarks
- Unwelcome sexual overtone in any manner such as over telephone (obnoxious telephone calls) and the like
- Touching or brushing against any part of the body and the like
- Displaying pornographic or other offensive or derogatory pictures, cartoons, pamphlets or sayings
- Forcible physical touch or molestation
- Physical confinement against one’s will and any other act likely to violate one’s privacy
Anti Sexual Harassment Cell assures all the complaints of the students, teaching and non-teaching staffs are treated with dignity and respect and the complaints should be maintained confidential.
False Reporting: Intentionally making a false report or providing false information is grounds for indiscipline.
For any Complaints, Queries & Assistance
Contact: +91 – 9674926580 (11am to 5pm)
Complaints shall be registered through Grievance Redressal in our college website www.surendranathcollege.ac.in
Members:
1. ADITY SRABJNA- Convener
2. SHAYAERI DUTTA
3. FIRDOUS AHAMED
4. TOHIDA REHAMAN
5. LALITA DAS
6. SURANJANA SARKAR