Khyber Medical University (KMU) has taken a firm stance to tackle harassment on its campuses by implementing a ban on “intimate relationships” between staff members and students, following the directive of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
In a notification issued by Dr. Brekhna Jamil, chairperson of KMU’s harassment inquiry committee, severe penalties were outlined for violating the policy. These penalties include oral or written reprimands, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, fines, and other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate.
Dr. Brekhna emphasized that such relationships pose conflicts of interest, compromise professional judgment, and could harm the credibility of the institution. It was stated that individuals involved in such relationships should declare them.
Recent violations of the policy resulted in the expulsion of a Grade-18 staff member, as well as written reprimands, fines, and demotions for another Grade-17 staff member. Additionally, several senior staff members have received final warnings and are currently under surveillance.
Dr. Brekhna urged faculty members to ensure the distribution of the policy within their institutes and administrative sections, emphasizing the importance of everyone being fully aware of and adhering to its provisions. She noted that the notification had been issued with the approval of KMU’s vice-chancellor.
The notification, 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,’ highlights KMU’s adoption of the HEC’s policy and the need to address personal relationship matters within its academic community.
The policy’s jurisdiction covers all constituent and affiliated colleges and institutions of KMU. According to its provisions, the policy applies to actions by students, faculty, staff, and other members of the higher education institutions (HEI) community, including interns, residents, third-party service providers, and visitors.
Furthermore, the policy distinguishes between sexual harassment and personal relationships among consenting adults within the HEI community, stating that the latter, adhering to social and cultural norms, are typically considered private matters.
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