Khyber Medical University (KMU) has taken a firm stance against ‘intimate relationships’ between staff members and students, aligning with the Higher Education Commission’s policy to combat harassment on university campuses. Dr. Brekhna Jamil, the chairperson of KMU’s harassment inquiry committee, issued a notification outlining stringent penalties for violating this policy, ranging from reprimands to dismissal, suspension, expulsion, fines, and other sanctions as deemed necessary.
The notification emphasizes that such relationships create conflicts of interest, jeopardize professional judgment, and undermine the institution’s credibility. Individuals involved in such relationships are required to disclose them to maintain transparency. KMU’s zero-tolerance approach towards harassment has resulted in disciplinary actions, including expulsion, reprimands, fines, and demotions for staff members found in violation. Senior staff members have also received final warnings and are under close observation.
The initiative aims to prevent instances of harassment within the campus environment. Dr. Brekhna urged faculty members to disseminate the policy across the institute and administrative sections, ensuring full compliance from all faculty, staff, and students. The notification, approved by KMU’s vice-chancellor, enforces the prohibition of intimate or romantic relationships between faculty, staff, and students in line with HEC’s policy on protection against sexual harassment in higher education institutions.
The policy extends to all constituent and affiliated colleges and institutions of KMU, encompassing actions by students, faculty, staff, interns, residents, service providers, and visitors. It delineates the boundaries for personal relationships within the academic community, emphasizing the prohibition of intimate relationships between faculty/staff and students due to the potential impact on professional judgment and institutional credibility.