Pune/Allahabad: The #MeToo campaign in India on Thursday intensified further with the storm reaching educational campuses where a number of female professors and former students of Symbiosis Media College Pune and Allahabad University sharing stories of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Symbiosis alumni took to Facebook and other social media platforms to share their terryfying harassment stories, also claiming that the authorities did not act against the accused when the incidences were reported to them.
So far more than 10 students have shared their experiences directly or anonymously on Facebook and Twitter, forcing the institute to take notice and send two open letters to students, appealing them to come forward, and promising to do better.
"It is absolutely shattering but at the same time empowering to go through the recent developments across all social media platforms. Though disheartening to see so many similar stories from so many people across the country, it is also certain that the change has come. And finally, for good", Symbiosis Center for Media and Communication, said in one of the open letters addressed to the students.
“We can do so without revealing your identity and ensuring your safety. You could possibly save a lot of people from falling prey to any untoward action,” said the post.
The statement by Sumbiosis Pune was issued after former students accused male students and faculty members of sexual assault, blaming the "toxic atmosphere" and inaction of the authorities for the shameful incidents..
Exposing the cases of sexual harassment on Allahabad University campus, Richa Singh, former President of Allahabad University Students Union, writing for a portal said, "I know a faculty member who forced a woman research scholar to kiss him in order to get her forms signed."
"Also there’s a professor who touches female students inappropriately. I won’t name them as they’ll make their students’ lives miserable. Luckily, some student leaders are protesting against the VC, but it seems nothing is going to happen. Maybe sharing this story will help the institution get rid of such people", she wrote.
Misconduct of big shots from politics, film industry and media including MJ Akbar, Alok Nath, Nana Patekar, Sohel Seth, Rajat Kapoor, singer Kailash Kher, filmmakers Vikas Bahl and Vivek Agnihotri are taking rounds since last more than a week.
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