LUMS has always been committed to ensuring zero tolerance of sexual harassment at the university. For the past year, the university has worked to develop a comprehensive sexual harassment policy for LUMS, which has now been approved (uploaded on our website) and is in effect from November 1, 2014. In addition, a standing inquiry committee to look into complaints of sexual harassment will be chosen by Friday, November 7, 2014. The university’s processes have been strengthened and any procedural gaps that may have existed in the past have been addressed.
With reference to the harassment case involving a faculty member, a three member committee was constituted forthwith, upon receipt of the complaint from the student, to proceed with the inquiry in an unbiased and transparent manner, in accordance with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, including the Code of Conduct set out in its Schedule. Immediately upon release of the final report, the findings of the committee were implemented as required by the Act. The concerned faculty member’s resignation was accepted soon thereafter. An appeal against the decision of the inquiry committee was submitted to the Ombudsman whose decisions was immediately implemented, terminating the services of the faculty member, notwithstanding the fact that the faculty member concerned had already resigned and left LUMS five months back.
It may be noted that this is the only official statement that has been issued by LUMS and the statement of certain individuals claiming formal/current links to this institution does not represent the views of the University which acts strictly in accordance with the law.
It is regrettable indeed that our student had to face such a situation on campus. LUMS advocates a culture of academic excellence, tolerance, research, diversity and freedom of thought. It prides itself on being a safe and secure campus. The safety and security of the LUMS community, especially the students, remains a foremost priority and every effort will continue to be made to ensure this. The Office of the Vice Chancellor ([email protected]) has an open door policy and any feedback is always welcome.
This statement is a disingenuous attempt by the VC to skirt his complicity in the matter. Everybody knows that he tried to shove the matter under the rug.
It is a damage limiting exercise. It happened under the VC watch. Now let us move on. The student needs counselling and the teacher needs to resurect his carrier after a period of introspection.
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