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Kerala University VC opposes student politics ban, calls for curbing campus violence
The Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University has rejected suggestions to prohibit student political activities, asserting instead that campuses must foster healthy debate while tackling violent conduct. The remarks come as universities nationwide grapple with balancing student activism and maintaining peaceful learning environments.
LSN India ·
V-C Mohanan Kunnummal stated that student politics remains an integral part of campus life and should not be eliminated through blanket bans. Instead, he emphasized the critical need to address violence and misconduct that sometimes accompanies such activities.
Kunnummal argued that universities have a responsibility to create spaces where students can express divergent viewpoints and engage in substantive debate. Such engagement, he suggested, is essential to the educational mission and prepares students for participation in democratic discourse.
The Vice-Chancellor's position reflects an ongoing tension within Indian higher education institutions between protecting academic freedom and student expression on one hand, and maintaining campus safety and discipline on the other. Several universities have implemented restrictions on student political organizations following incidents of violence and disruption.
Kunnummal's remarks indicate Kerala University's preference for targeted interventions against violent conduct rather than sweeping restrictions on political activity. The approach seeks to distinguish between legitimate political engagement and unacceptable behavior that undermines the educational environment.