Adopt policies on sexual harassment
Jul 28, 2009
FROM THE EDITOR<br><br>Sex for marks has become a persistent issue in our universities. The media has been awash with stories of lecturers demanding sexual favours from female students (or vice versa) in return for free marks or good degrees. Unfortunat
FROM THE EDITOR
Sex for marks has become a persistent issue in our universities. The media has been awash with stories of lecturers demanding sexual favours from female students (or vice versa) in return for free marks or good degrees. Unfortunately, that is where it often stops.
In most cases, it is difficult for the harassed person to provide evidence of being lured into sex. As such, the vice goes on silently because the victimised person knows too well that it will be hard to investigate.
Universities should implement policies and regulations to address such practices. These policies should apply to all students and the universities’ academic and administrative staff. There is also need to define what sexual harassment is to ensure that any complaint lodged is treated with confidentiality, diligence, fairness and justice.
If, after thorough investigations, the accused is found guilty, appropriate penalties should be taken. This vice can only be eliminated with an iron hand.
Sex for marks has become a persistent issue in our universities. The media has been awash with stories of lecturers demanding sexual favours from female students (or vice versa) in return for free marks or good degrees. Unfortunately, that is where it often stops.
In most cases, it is difficult for the harassed person to provide evidence of being lured into sex. As such, the vice goes on silently because the victimised person knows too well that it will be hard to investigate.
Universities should implement policies and regulations to address such practices. These policies should apply to all students and the universities’ academic and administrative staff. There is also need to define what sexual harassment is to ensure that any complaint lodged is treated with confidentiality, diligence, fairness and justice.
If, after thorough investigations, the accused is found guilty, appropriate penalties should be taken. This vice can only be eliminated with an iron hand.