KMU Bans Intimate Relationships Between Staff Members and Students

Khyber Medical University (KMU) has has taken steps to curb harassment that are taking place on its campuses by imposing a ban on “intimate relationships” between staff members and students as per the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) policy. Actions that violate this policy are strictly punished and could lead to termination, suspension, fines, and other sanctions.

A notification issued by Dr Brekhna Jamil, chairperson of KMU’s harassment inquiry committee makes it clear that relationships between staff members and students could can cause conflict of interest, leading to compromising professional judgment that may cause the institution to lose its credibility. Anyone involved in such a relationship needs to disclose it to the administration. The notice added that KMU has a zero tolerance policy for harassment and is already acting to punish perpetrators, like expulsion and demotion.

Through its harassment inquiry committee, KMU’s chairperson, Dr. Brekhna, emphasizes the need for faculty members to disseminate and ensure the policy’s compliance. The jurisdiction encompasses all the constituent and affiliated colleges of KMU, and it is applicable to any action taking place both on and off-campus.

The policy calls for an absolute ban on any romantic/intimate relationship or any kind of emotional involvement between faculty/staff members and students, as these relationships pose a threat to professional judgment and may lead to a hostile environment. It points out the fact that it can be an issue regarding the institution’s credibility and way of working.

The personal affairs of two consenting adults are private. The same is not true of members of a community who are in an intimate relationship with a student or colleague where they hold professional decision-making responsibility. The relationships that are characterized by differentials of power can amount to a potential loss of institutional credibility.

This policy does not only forbid intimate or romantic relationships between faculty or staff and students at all academic levels, but also between faculty or staff and students who are not at the same academic level. It stresses the need for professional demarcation to ensure the reputation and honor of the organization.

​In short, KMU’s policy should prevent harassment by prohibiting faculty/staff and student relationships. It shows that professionalism and institutional reputation are serious issues that have to be taken into account while creating a secure and respectful learning environment.

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