TNNLU Protests Escalate Over Vice-Chancellor's Alleged Sexist Remarks
Protests at Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) intensified for the second consecutive day on Friday, as students continued their agitation over vice-chancellor V Nagaraj's alleged "sexist" remarks about women students wearing shorts. Senior state government sources indicated that no official action has been initiated against Nagaraj so far, despite mounting pressure from the student community.
Government Response and VC's Explanation
According to government officials, the vice-chancellor made the remarks in what he described as a "casual" context, recalling a similar comment he had allegedly made in 2016 during his tenure at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU). A senior government official told TOI, "We had sought an explanation from the registrar and the VC. He said it was made on a casual note. The VC was in Chennai for convocation-related discussions. If any action is to be taken, it has to come from the chancellor first and not the ministry."
Mass Resignation of Class Representatives
In a significant development, all class representatives (CRs) and deputy representatives have resigned in protest against the vice-chancellor's comments. Registrar Balakrishnan confirmed receiving resignation emails from the students. "Yes, I received mails about their intention to resign. New CRs will be nominated to these posts. However, the process is to be initiated by them," he stated. This mass resignation represents a strong symbolic gesture of dissent within the student body.
Student Agitation and Campus Demonstrations
Students have maintained their agitation on campus, organizing their protests strategically to minimize disruption to academic activities. While they decided not to disrupt classes during the day, they held demonstrations in the evening and vowed to continue this pattern until their demands are addressed. A class representative alleged, "We were sitting outside beyond curfew until morning. Not a single faculty member came to meet us through the night. The administration started calling our parents to create panic and pressure us to withdraw."
Allegations of Insensitive Administration Response
The protesting students have raised serious concerns about the administration's handling of the situation. The same CR further alleged, "The chief warden told us that women students should not stay out at night as they may get their periods. In the men's hostel too, parents were called and asked about their children's whereabouts. It's insulting." These allegations suggest a pattern of behavior that students find demeaning and inappropriate for an educational institution.
Student Demands and Future Course
The students have presented clear demands to the university administration:
- An official apology from Vice-Chancellor V Nagaraj for his alleged sexist remarks
- Concrete action against what they describe as repeated instances of sexist behavior and comments
- A more respectful and professional approach from the administration in dealing with student concerns
Vice-Chancellor Nagaraj has since returned to the campus, but the protests continue unabated. Students have indicated they will maintain their demonstrations until their concerns are properly addressed through institutional channels. The situation remains tense at TNNLU as both sides navigate this sensitive issue that touches on gender sensitivity, institutional accountability, and student rights in higher education.
