THE recent case of harassment at Lahore Grammar School in Lahore show how our children remain vulnerable and unsafe even at a well-reputed institute.

Earlier, similar cases of harassment, misconduct, and sexism have been reported against university professors and staff for exploiting their position and taking advantage of girl students. The negligence on the part of the administration and the delay in taking action against the perpetrators remain the real issue.

Although in LGS’s case the school administration has fired four teachers as the students had raised their voice on social media, what remains problematic is how such a severe issue went unaddressed and unresolved by the school administration for years.

One of the accused teachers taught the course of debate and politics, and all four of them enjoyed a respectable position, which is the real irony. Victims often fear raising their voice because of the prestigious and powerful position of the offender.

The All Pakistan Private School Association has taken notice of the harassment allegations and claims to support victims through their helpline available for complaints.

However, a strict reporting mechanisms within every educational institute which protects the victims and provides them with immediate support remains crucial to tackling the cases of harassment.

An accessible and simplified procedure of filing a complaint in the police station is needed so that victims can easily seek help through legal mechanisms.

Nayab Iqbal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2020