Today, 21 October 2021, a town hall meeting with the ED was conducted at the G&T auditorium, from 3-5 PM. Students were encouraged to put IBA on trial in a town hall meeting with the ED. They were welcomed to engage in the conversation with the Dean and address major concerns, such as harassment and freedom of speech. Moreover, the ED was open to taking suggestions from students to make IBA better. And a safe space for everyone and especially the females, as he highlighted it.
“If you cannot tolerate difference of opinions then there is no freedom of speech.“ Stated by Akbar Zaidi while addressing the issue of freedom of speech.
The ED’s Take on ISC and Elections
The conversation started with a video of fighting between the two dominant political parties from Monday’s power show at SC. It was evident on ED’s face how intolerable it was for him to see students of IBA adopting barbaric behavior. Seeing students grabbing each others’ hair and fighting, blackening the name of their respective party.
“I don’t expect anything from ISC because already the candidates are not taking care of their responsibilities. And none of these candidates were present when we were protesting against harassment. No one shows up to support a real cause. Therefore, many students choose to waste their votes today”, said a student.
While discussing the elections a student suggested dissolving ISC completely and choosing candidates on a merit basis. This could be a solution to prevent the showcase of such behavior in future elections. Furthermore, the purpose of winning the post in ISC elections was not for bringing forth real issues. Or representing the students’ bodies. Rather it seems that candidates wish to win to satisfy their party’s ego.
Ethnic issues and discrimination
During campaigning for the candidates, a meme was created attacking the ethnicity of a candidate, which was also spotlighted. Students shared their stories of facing discrimination because they came from a certain region or certain school in Karachi. It was elucidated that ISC elections only promote this discrimination. Therefore, it must be dissolved because all students are equal. Akbar Zaidi replied, “once you come to IBA, you are not Gilgiti or burger. You are a student of IBA. Expression of speech is not about words it is about an ideology.”
Expulsion of students for speaking up.
Several students mentioned the expulsion of Gibrael and other students for standing up against the wrong. It was also mentioned that students are harassed by the channels when they go to address their issues. And when they choose to speak up anyways, a ‘DC’ is appointed on them. A DC meeting where 5 members of faculty would tell a student that he/she is wrong. And the student would be expected to defend themselves. The Dean added the presence of a student body in DC meetings. Students also questioned why ‘DC’ is not appointed on the faculty who don’t abide by the rules.
“We stand by the weak and DC should be appointed on, he who shall not be named. Mr.X, who was harassing his fellow female faculty”, a statement by Gibrael made during the seminar.
Outcomes
“Conflict is a part of society. When there is freedom of expression conflict makes its way in. But that is not something to be afraid of” while concluding the session the ED added. Furthermore, he made sure to visit the Girls’ hostel next week to address their issues. Finally, he mentioned the safety of students is a priority for the students’ affairs team. And IBA will work towards better career dynamics.
