PESHAWAR: The provincial higher education department has framed guidelines for prevention of students’ harassment in public and private universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The guidelines are meant to promote a safe and respectful learning environment and mitigate the risk of harassment and assault in higher educational institutions in the province,” an official told Dawn.

The guidelines state that all members of the institution are obligated to actively contribute to creating and sustaining a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, with any failure to do so subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with institutional regulations and applicable law.

As per the guidelines, a minimum of two female faculty members shall be present on the premises of female educational institutions during operational hours and until such time as the last female student has vacated the premises.

Staff to meet students in designated areas, class-IV employees barred from using mobile phones

In the event that a female hostel facility is provided, it is required that a female warden and supporting staff be present on-site at all times. Male personnel shall be strictly restricted to the areas designated for their access and duties, and shall not be permitted in any female-designated areas of the hostel.

The head of each educational institution is required to designate separate areas for male and female staff to engage with students. These areas must be clearly demarcated and shall be monitored through appropriate surveillance measures to ensure compliance and maintain security.

Teaching and non-teaching staffers are strictly prohibited from meeting female students in isolated or unmonitored areas. The head of the institution shall designate and notify specific areas for such meetings, which must be dearly communicated to all staff and students to ensure compliance.

Under the guidelines, the use of mobile phones by class-IV employees and students on the premises of the institution has been strictly prohibited.

The head of the institution shall ensure permanent deployment of female faculty or staff members at designated locations to accompany female students during interactions with male staff. It is mandated that all meetings or interactions between male staff and female students must take place in the presence of a female faculty or staff member.

Formal meetings, guidance or counselling sessions, or any academic interactions between male staff and female students shall require prior approval from the relevant head of department or dean. Such meetings must take place only within designated areas, and under no circumstances shall they occur outside these approved locations.

Information, form submission and receiving desk should be accessible and visible to students as well as public. Male Class-IV employees and security personnel are strictly prohibited from direct interaction with students.

Faculty members are mandated to remain on campus until the departure of the last student, ensuring that students have access to necessary support, guidance and supervision as required.

Faculty and staff are under a strict duty to promptly report any suspicious behaviour or concerns related to student safety to the administration. This includes the mandatory completion of incident reports and active participation in follow-up discussions to address identified issues in a timely manner.

Faculty members are obligated to actively engage in activities and discussions that promote inclusivity and mutual respect among students. This duty includes, but is not limited to, integrating educational discourse on topics such as consent, boundaries, and appropriate behaviour into the curriculum, and fostering an open and communicative classroom environment.

Faculty members are required to conduct regular check-ins with students, particularly those in vulnerable or at-risk situations, to assess their wellbeing and provide a supportive and proactive presence.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras shall be installed in all common areas, female hostels and designated faculty/staff interaction desks or areas to ensure comprehensive surveillance and enhance the safety and security of all individuals.

Round-the-clock security personnel shall be deployed in all non-student areas to ensure continuous surveillance and protection. The presence of security personnel must be maintained at all times, with strict adherence to duty schedules and protocols, to prevent unauthorised access and safeguard institutional property.

The guidelines say that regular security audits shall be conducted to assess the effectiveness of current safety measures and identify potential vulnerabilities within the institution.

The presence of security guards in student areas shall be strictly limited, except in cases of emergencies or when explicitly authorised by the administration. This restriction is intended to preserve the privacy and autonomy of students while maintaining a safe environment.

Additionally, all security personnel must undergo mandatory and comprehensive training on harassment prevention, conflict resolution and professional conduct.

The guidelines say that a trained committee must promptly investigate all reports, and the reporting process should prioritise the safety, privacy and wellbeing of the complainant throughout the entire procedure.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024