'Expressions of hatred': Ashoka University after students raise casteist slogans

As videos of Ashoka University students in Haryana’s Sonipat shouting casteist slogans and demanding a caste census surfaced on social media, the university has said it “deplored expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group”. It also said that all measures would be taken to ensure that peace and harmony in the campus were not disturbed.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the university said such actions which made the atmosphere “intimidating” and “hostile” to individuals or groups were considered serious offences.

In one of the videos that went viral on social media, students were seen marching on the university premises and shouting slogans against Brahmins and Baniyas.

In another video, the students were heard saying ‘Inquilab zindabad’, ‘tanashahi band karo, admin thodi sharam karo’ (Dictatorship won’t work, shame on you administration), ‘we want caste census’ and ‘we want reservation’.

“Ashoka University attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect. The university deplores expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group,” the university said in a statement.

The university stated that its guidelines on protecting freedom of expression clearly laid down that “such freedom of expression is not unlimited and enjoins respect for the rights and sensibilities of others”. “This is essential to preserving the spirit of the community at Ashoka,” it added.

“Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening or hostile to individuals or groups are therefore regarded as serious offences and are subject to the university disciplinary procedure. The university will take all measures necessary to ensure that peace and harmony in the campus is not disturbed,” the university further said.

Watch Live TV in English

Watch Live TV in Hindi