New Delhi: Claiming a violation of privacy, students of Ashoka University in Sonepat have locked horns with the administration over new security measures on campus—which came into effect on 17 January.
The security measures include baggage scanners and metal detectors at entrances. The administration has also stated that if a student is found with prohibited items, the items will be sealed in a packet labelled with the student’s name and ID and then sent to the dean of student affairs for further action. The prohibited items include alcohol, cigarettes, or any drugs, except for prescription medication, which must come with a prescription.
Demanding a reversal of the security measures, over 300 students protested at gate number 2 of Ashoka University from late Thursday night to 4 am Friday.
“These kinds of policing measures do not work anywhere in the world. We have put three demands in front of the administration—including immediate removal of detectors and scanners, a town hall with the vice chancellor, and a surety that no big decision of this nature can be taken without consulting with students,” a member of the Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) told ThePrint, requesting anonymity.
The University administration, however, said that the measures aimed at “enhancing the safety and welfare of our students”.
“These measures have been implemented in consultation with faculty & staff representatives and keeping the student government and campus ministry involved. All students returning from their winter break moved into the campus last weekend, undergoing the baggage scanning without a hitch. Since Monday, classes have resumed and other campus activities are happening as usual,” said an Ashoka University statement.
“We are constantly engaging with the student government for their input on how to improve the safety of the students. The University is taking all necessary steps in this matter, keeping in view the overall safety and well-being of the students, which is paramount to us,” it added.
The student government maintained that the university did not consult them before the changes but only informed them a week before classes resumed. “Classes began on Monday after the break, and just a week before that, we got a call from the administration informing us about the new measures,” said the student government member quoted above.
“As soon as classes resumed, we started voicing our concerns. Last night, the administration asked us to suggest alternatives, and we submitted our recommendations, which include expanding mental health resources and support…. We will resume our protest on Monday after the weekend,” the member added.
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What the new security measures are
In an email sent on January 13, the administration notified students of the new rules as part of its regular review of campus security and efforts to improve accessibility.
The rules included that gate number 2 would serve as the exclusive entry and exit point for students, providing a more efficient traffic flow, particularly in the interests of those living in the residential halls closer to these buildings.
Moreover, the university has made the scanning of all bags, suitcases, and personal items daily at a baggage scanner. While there would be assistance for handling heavy luggage, there would also be trays for smaller personal items of students, including keys or wallets. After placing belongings in the scanner, students are supposed to walk through a metal detector to enter campus.
The administration emphasised that no physical frisking will occur, urging students to ensure all personal items are in the trays. In rare cases, handheld scanners could be used under the supervision of a senior officer.
Regarding prohibited substances, the university outlined that any such items, including firearms, weapons, explosives, alcohol, psychoactive substances, tobacco, and all forms of drugs, excluding prescription medication, will be identified and confiscated.
“If any prohibited substance is found, it will be sealed in a packet, labelled with the student’s name and identification, and stored at the gate. The dean of student affairs will be notified for further action,” a university official said.
“We want to emphasise that these measures are intended to safeguard the well-being of all students while respecting their privacy,” the email concluded.
Why students are objecting
Students have expressed concerns about potential harassment disguised as security checks. “When students returned on the 17th, several cases of privacy violations and intrusive monitoring came to light. Incoming vehicles were subjected to invasive searches, including glove compartments and under-seat areas. The belongings of taxi drivers and family members were also scanned on move-in days, a practice that the student body had not been informed about. Additionally, students’ items, such as shampoo bottles, were sniffed to detect alcohol (sic),” the student government said in a statement.
A fourth-year undergraduate student expressed concerns over recent developments at Ashoka University, emphasising that the institution is well-recognised for its liberal academic environment. “These kinds of rules not only go against the ethos of Ashoka but also tarnish the university’s reputation. It is completely unacceptable how the administration is now treating students like suspects,” said the student, who requested anonymity.
The left-leaning student body, All India Students Association (AISA), also issued a statement criticising the administration: “Ashoka, which has long prided itself as a ‘liberal’ bastion, is now revealing itself as a heavily policed space. Just two weeks ago, the university’s leadership boasted on a talk show about their commitment to resisting student surveillance, claiming it was antithetical to Ashoka’s principles. It seems that claim was nothing more than a façade. The wealthy owners of Ashoka are now looking to undermine democracy and freedom of expression on campus (sic).”
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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What is it between Ashoka University and The Print? Every second day The Print carries some story or the other about Ashoka University. Is this some form of advertising? Or flattery?
The Ashoka founders are bigshots of the business world. And they, in their infinite business wisdom, have created an institution which provides a student with a BA degree in English literature for a staggering sum of 40 lakhs (tuition+ boarding+ misc.).
Does Ashoka really merit this regular coverage from The Print?