THE CONTEXT: The attack on foreign students at Gujarat University, highlighting the violation of the National Education Policy 2020’s principles of inclusivity and tolerance. The response from university and other authorities is apprehensive. Such events emphasis the need for a more supportive and introspective approach to prevent such incidents and foster a culture of diversity and freedom on campus.
ISSUES:
- Violation of NEP 2020 Principles: The attack on the foreign students goes against the principles outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which states that institutes of higher education should become active promoters of more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, secure, and sustainable societies. The incident contradicts this commitment.
- Inadequate Law Enforcement Response: While the authorities have arrested two people and the Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with the Gujarat government, the overall response has been two-toned. The first part, dealing with crime and breach of law and order, seems appropriate. However, the second part appears to lay blame on the victims.
- Victim-Blaming Attitude: The Vice-Chancellor’s response, suggesting that the foreign students need to be culturally sensitive and that there is a need for cultural orientation, shifts the onus onto the victims rather than addressing the root cause of the attack. This victim-blaming attitude is concerning and fails to hold the perpetrators accountable.
- Undermining the Idea of the University: The best universities are spaces that first and foremost, foster freedom and depend on the liberty of thought and freedom of debate. The mob violence and the subsequent response from the authorities undermine these core principles, threatening the very idea of the university.
- Need for Equity and Inclusion: The NEP 2020’s call for scientific temper, liberty, responsibility, pluralism, equality, and justice and the need to nurture a campus with full equity and inclusion as the cornerstone of all educational decisions. The response to the incident appears to fall short of these ideals.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Upholding the Principles of NEP 2020: The National Education Policy 2020 outlines the values of peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, secure, and sustainable societies, which universities should actively promote. To achieve this, universities should implement programs and initiatives that foster intercultural understanding, religious harmony, and respect for diversity on campus. A significant case study that aims to create a more inclusive campus environment through education, community engagement, and policy changes is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic plan at the University of Michigan.
- Strengthening Law Enforcement and Accountability: It is important to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into any incident, taking prompt and appropriate action against those responsible. To prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, it is crucial to implement stricter security measures and protocols. The response of The University of California, Berkeley to a violent incident in 2017, which involved increased security, disciplinary measures, and a renewed commitment to freedom of speech and inclusion, serves as a valuable reference for other university authorities.
- Addressing Victim-Blaming Attitudes: It is important to provide sensitivity training and cultural awareness programs for university staff and students to counter biases and promote empathy. Clear policies and procedures should also be established to support and protect vulnerable members of the campus community, including international students. We can learn from global examples, such as The University of Southern California’s International Student Services which provides comprehensive support and resources for international students, including cultural adjustment assistance and crisis response.
- Upholding the Idea of the University: The University of Chicago is committed to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the free exchange of ideas. It encourages open dialogues, debates, and discussions on campus to foster a culture of intellectual discourse and critical thinking. The “Chicago Principles” reflect its dedication to free speech and the free exchange of ideas as essential to its educational mission.
- Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Developing and implementing comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies is crucial. These strategies should have clear goals, metrics, and accountability measures. It is equally important to ensure that every member of the campus community feels safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their background. The University of California, Los Angeles’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative is a great example of how to create a more inclusive and equitable campus. This initiative has been successful through policy changes, community engagement, and targeted programs. It can be studied at the university level to curb such incidents.
THE CONCLUSION:
Gujarat University and similar institutions should embrace the NEP 2020’s ideals by implementing comprehensive strategies that promote equity, inclusion, and the free exchange of ideas, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for all students.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)
Q.2) Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy,2020(NEP,2020) in light of the above statement. (2020)
Q.3) Hatred is destructive of a person‘s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (2020)
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1) Critically analyze the role of higher educational institutions in promoting inclusivity and tolerance among students. Discuss the measures that can be taken to ensure the safety and cultural integration of international students on Indian campuses.
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