In light of the recent events that transpired on the University campus, it is imperative to understand the distinction between, being politically aware – i.e., knowing, reading, and understanding your politics, and doing politics – i.e., actively taking steps to propagate your political ideology in a way which is harmful to the social environment and the institutional values. Consequently, while students are encouraged to educate themselves vis-à-vis social, political and cultural issues, exhibiting your beliefs in any manner which is detrimental to the beliefs of others is absolutely prohibited. This is essential to fully take advantage of the egalitarian spaces made available on the University campus, which are meant to cater to the entire marketplace of ideas, and not to a few ideologies.
While JGU prides itself as an Institution of Eminence for providing safe academic spaces, at the same time we cannot ignore the inherent duty that this casts upon the JGU community for using such spaces in a dignified and responsible manner. This implies that while the academic spaces within JGU celebrate the right to free speech and expression, one cannot turn a blind eye towards the reasonable restrictions that must be upheld to ensure that the freedom of others is not violated. In this light, since its inception, the JGU administration has consciously kept the University space absolutely apolitical to cater to neutral academic discussions that explore all sides of an issue / debate(s).
In this regard, please note that:
1. Students are prohibited from officially associating the University with any political organization, even if such student(s) may be part of these organizations in their personal capacity. This is in sync with the fact that the University would not exercise any control over the actions of its students in their personal capacity, however, it is advisable that students exercise discretion and duty of care while they are within the University campus;
2. Students are prohibited from associating themselves with unofficial and unrecognized organizations seeking to do politics on the University campus, like the Safdar Hashmi Reading Circle, the Revolutionary Students League, and other similar student-groups. Consequently, if students wish to start a society, or student-run groups, then they must seek the approval of the relevant University authority;
3. Students organizing public events, including, but not limited to, public discussions, lectures, reading circles, and audio-visual exhibitions, would have an inherent responsibility of ensuring that they (a) take adequate precautions, including permission from the relevant University authority, to conduct such an event, and (b) do not conduct themselves in a manner that is derogatory of the personhood and participation rights of other University stakeholders, and undermines the safety and tranquillity on the University campus; and
4. Students are prohibited from publicly distributing and/or affixing posters, or other written media, that may be interpreted as disruptive of the safety and tranquillity of the University Campus. Accordingly, it is advisable that students get their posters, or other written media, vetted by the relevant University authority, before making it publicly accessible.
It goes without saying that any contravention of these regulations would be treated as a violation of the JGU Code of Conduct for students (“Code of Conduct”), and the concerned students would face appropriate disciplinary action under Clause 28 of the Code of Conduct.
Additionally, the violation of these regulations, in certain cases, may also constitute the violation of the law of the land, including the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and other laws preventing unlawful activities. It is crucial for the students to understand that in case they end up violating the law of the land, it would be difficult for the University authorities to provide any assistance to such students. Consequently, it is of paramount importance that the students understand the objective behind these regulations, and follow them diligently to ensure their own personal safety.
We seek your support in safeguarding and upholding the core institutional values of JGU. Thanking you for your assistance and cooperation.
I hope this email finds you well.
In light of the recent events that transpired on the University campus, it is imperative to understand the distinction between, being politically aware – i.e., knowing, reading, and understanding your politics, and doing politics – i.e., actively taking steps to propagate your political ideology in a way which is harmful to the social environment and the institutional values. Consequently, while students are encouraged to educate themselves vis-à-vis social, political and cultural issues, exhibiting your beliefs in any manner which is detrimental to the beliefs of others is absolutely prohibited. This is essential to fully take advantage of the egalitarian spaces made available on the University campus, which are meant to cater to the entire marketplace of ideas, and not to a few ideologies.
While JGU prides itself as an Institution of Eminence for providing safe academic spaces, at the same time we cannot ignore the inherent duty that this casts upon the JGU community for using such spaces in a dignified and responsible manner. This implies that while the academic spaces within JGU celebrate the right to free speech and expression, one cannot turn a blind eye towards the reasonable restrictions that must be upheld to ensure that the freedom of others is not violated. In this light, since its inception, the JGU administration has consciously kept the University space absolutely apolitical to cater to neutral academic discussions that explore all sides of an issue / debate(s).
In this regard, please note that:
1. Students are prohibited from officially associating the University with any political organization, even if such student(s) may be part of these organizations in their personal capacity. This is in sync with the fact that the University would not exercise any control over the actions of its students in their personal capacity, however, it is advisable that students exercise discretion and duty of care while they are within the University campus;
2. Students are prohibited from associating themselves with unofficial and unrecognized organizations seeking to do politics on the University campus, like the Safdar Hashmi Reading Circle, the Revolutionary Students League, and other similar student-groups. Consequently, if students wish to start a society, or student-run groups, then they must seek the approval of the relevant University authority;
3. Students organizing public events, including, but not limited to, public discussions, lectures, reading circles, and audio-visual exhibitions, would have an inherent responsibility of ensuring that they (a) take adequate precautions, including permission from the relevant University authority, to conduct such an event, and (b) do not conduct themselves in a manner that is derogatory of the personhood and participation rights of other University stakeholders, and undermines the safety and tranquillity on the University campus; and
4. Students are prohibited from publicly distributing and/or affixing posters, or other written media, that may be interpreted as disruptive of the safety and tranquillity of the University Campus. Accordingly, it is advisable that students get their posters, or other written media, vetted by the relevant University authority, before making it publicly accessible.
It goes without saying that any contravention of these regulations would be treated as a violation of the JGU Code of Conduct for students (“Code of Conduct”), and the concerned students would face appropriate disciplinary action under Clause 28 of the Code of Conduct.
Additionally, the violation of these regulations, in certain cases, may also constitute the violation of the law of the land, including the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and other laws preventing unlawful activities. It is crucial for the students to understand that in case they end up violating the law of the land, it would be difficult for the University authorities to provide any assistance to such students. Consequently, it is of paramount importance that the students understand the objective behind these regulations, and follow them diligently to ensure their own personal safety.
We seek your support in safeguarding and upholding the core institutional values of JGU. Thanking you for your assistance and cooperation.
Regards,
(Name redacted due to legally india policy.)