The antidote to hate

This refers to the editorial ‘Teachers under threat’ (Mar 14). When violence seeps into a university campus, it obliterates all vestiges of critical thought and breeds intolerance among students. Under these circumstances, the onus falls on faculty members who are expected to guide students and emphasise the virtues of a non-violent struggle. Unfortunately, the hate campaign that has been initiated against two professors at Punjab University reveals that some students are unwilling to heed the advice of their teachers.

By turning against their professors, they have shown their disregard for teachers who have made consistent attempts to mediate between the university administration and the protesting students. Clashes between student groups have become the order of the day at the university. At this critical juncture, the prime concern should be to resolve these differences rather than vilify those who are trying to mediate the conflicts that have arisen at Punjab University. It is equally distressing to note that this hate propaganda has been started on social media. Those involved in this smear campaign must realise that any attempt to defame someone on social media is a serious act that bears consequences. They must also remember that the right to political expression does not give them the licence to incite hatred against anyone. Furthermore, we shouldn’t forget that varsities are founts of knowledge. They provide us with the opportunity to learn and conduct intelligent debates on world affairs. Teachers are the glue that hold a university together. If students demean them through unfair means, it shows that they do not value the role played by teachers in transforming their lives.

Noor Anjum

Karachi