Chulalongkorn University harassment case
Schools are supposed to be a safe environment for students to develop their thinking process, information retention and social skills. It’s a place for learning. Unfortunately, however, there are instances where students’ safety is compromised.
On 6th June 2021, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Law issued a public apology to female students, whose personal images have gone viral. Those responsible are said to be 3-4 male students. The university further mentioned that they will be investigating the harassment case to its fullest extent.
Let’s explore the case a little further.
More on Thailand’s universities:
Private photos leaked
The case began with allegations regarding newly admitted male candidates to Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Law. A LINE group with 60 other students who passed the entrance exam was created.
There, 3 to 4 students discussed “good-looking” female students, and shared personal images of the women, according to Drama Addict. The messages also seemed “threatening” to their safety and well-being, according to the OP.
One of the members of the group then took screenshots of their messages and posted them on Twitter, which prompted outrage from netizens.
In addition to being upset on behalf of the women affected, the whistleblower was also criticised for his inaction and not condemning his fellow student’s actions, in the original Facebook post.
Apology from Chulalongkorn University
The administration from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Law uploaded an apology at 1AM on 6th June 2021 on Facebook. In it, the school’s administration outlined the scenario as well as the gravity of the situation.
They acknowledged that the newly admitted male students had distributed private images of women among other students from various faculties via electronic communication methods.
Chulalongkorn University further remarked that their actions could be considered as sexual harassment, and have expressed their “deepest condolences” to the female students affected, as per the public apology.
Image credit: Pareena Toei Srivanit
The Faculty of Law further assured students that they will expedite the investigation.
Finally, they ended the statement asking the public to refrain from forwarding pictures from the incident, as well as related images or screenshots.
Following the public apology, netizens have taken to Facebook to further elaborate on the situation.
Netizens respond to the alleged case
With such a serious issue, netizens are bound to have opinions on both the incident as well as how the University handled it.
Screenshot: Drama Addict
Translation: The faculty is so fast with their actions. So impressive.
Most of them commended the speed at which Chula University issued the apology and clarification.
Screenshot: Drama Addict
Translation: …The university has the full rights to reject these types of students and have them fail their interview exams…
Screenshot: Drama Addict
Translation: Sexual harassment in Thailand is seen on soap opera and has become a norm…I’d like to thank the university for not becoming a normal thing to you…
Netizens also hoped that these incidents wouldn’t become normalised in the future.
Preventing future incidents & protecting the victims
In a world where content can be shared with a click of a button, it’s important to remember that there are consequences behind our actions that affect others.
In the case of the students who shared these women’s personal images, let’s hope that whatever action the university takes helps them see just how absurdly incorrect their actions were.
As for justice for the victims in this case, let’s hope that the rest of the school cohort, will continue to keep fellow students who may behave inappropriately in check and that this issue may be resolved fairly and efficiently.
Cover image adapted from: Google Maps
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