KMU forbids romantic relationships between instructors and students
A prohibition on “intimate relationships” between staff and students has been implemented by Khyber Medical University (KMU) in response to a request from the Higher Education Commission to reduce harassment on campus.
The KMU harassment inquiry committee chair, Dr. Brekhna Jamil, sent out a notification outlining the harsh consequences for breaking the policy. These penalties could include a written or verbal reprimand, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, disciplinary probation, fines, withholding of a degree, cancellation of a professional license, inclusion of the decision in a personal file, and other relevant sanctions as judged fit.
These connections put professional judgment at danger, create conflicts of interest, and jeopardize the institution’s legitimacy. The notification stated, “Those engaged in such relationships ought to disclose it.
A Grade-18 staff member was recently expelled for violating regulations, and another Grade-17 staff member received written reprimands, penalties, and a demotion.
In addition, a number of additional top employees have received final warnings and are being watched. Faculty members were requested by Dr. Brekhna to disseminate the policy throughout their institutes and administrative divisions.
She went on to say that it’s critical that all academic staff, administrative personnel, and students understand the terms of the policy and follow them. “The vice-chancellor of KMU has approved the notification to be issued,” the spokesperson stated.
The notification, which emphasizes KMU’s adoption of HEC’s policy and the necessity of addressing personal relationship issues within its academic community, is titled “Prohibition of intimate or romantic relationships between faculty members, staff, and students as per HEC’s policy on protection against sexual harassment in higher education institutions 2020.”
All of KMU’s associated and constituent colleges and institutes are covered under the policy. The acts of students, instructors, staff, and other members of the higher education institutions (HEI) community, such as interns, residents, outside parties like service providers, and guests, are covered by this policy, as stated in sub-section 3.1 of section 3 (jurisdiction).
Contrary to sexual harassment, personal interactions between consenting adults within the HEI community that follow social and cultural standards are generally regarded as private affairs, according to sub-section 14.1 of the policy.
Whether a student is an undergraduate or graduate, the policy expressly forbids faculty members or staff from having romantic or intimate relationships with them.
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