TNNLU VC defends remarks, says stemmed from harassment complaints

Trichy: TNNLU vice-chancellor V Nagaraj on Sunday defended his controversial remarks that girl students dressing in shorts "invite sexual harassment" and cause "distraction not only for students but also faculty", stating that they stemmed from certain anonymous sexual harassment complaints brought to his attention.He said the discussion had been about admissions and improving the university's image. "I said that certain forms of dress may distract labourers working on campus (construction of the ladies' hostel annex is ongoing), as well as visitors and vendors. The social and cultural diversity of these visitors, vendors, and stakeholders is wide, and they come from different backgrounds. Also, since this university is situated in a village panchayat, it is better to exercise discretion in dressing and behaviour in general, so that unnecessary attention or remarks are not invited from outsiders," he said in a written statement issued to students late on Sunday evening.Further, he said he had received anonymous emails including one on Mar 29. "One of the anonymous emails regarding sexual harassment indicated the bitter experiences of (anonymous) students, allegedly linked to their way of dressing," he said. "If my statements have hurt the sentiments of any members of the student community, faculty, or administrative staff of TNNLU, I have no hesitation in apologising," he added. However, students said the statement did not address remarks about clothing causing "distraction" to faculty members. "The statement is vague and attaches a stereotype to a particular set of people. It appears to be an attempt to quell our protests and put the issue to rest before the upcoming convocation. So far, the administration was bluffing everyone and it was portrayed as a misrepresentation by class representatives, but he has now accepted it," a student said.The VC's remark during an April 15 interaction with class representatives had sparked national outrage, with students across the country expressing solidarity, while those at the institution staged protests.