In a bid to develop a safe environment for students in schools and colleges, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has formed Counter-Harassment and Anti-Bullying Committees in all educational institutions operating under it in the federal capital.
In this regard, FDE Director General (DG) Zia Batool on Wednesday issued a notification.
As per the notification, read by The Express Tribune, the committees will be set up at each FDE institution.
The committees will include the Head of Institution (HoI) as the convener, the Area Education Officer (AEO) as a member, along with the Deputy HoI as the secretary.
The committees will be tasked to adopt and implement prevention and response strategies against bullying and harassment.
Regarding prevention strategies, the circular said that the committee will hold staff orientations apart from organising a training on the code of harassment, sexual misconduct, bullying, and abuse. It will aim to inculcate the understanding of forms of harassment and bullying amongst pupils and educators. Besides this, it will sensitise them about their responsibilities proactively.
It added that the committee will also create awareness on the gender-neutrality and all-inclusive reporting mechanism for issues related to harassment through dissemination and other appropriate means of communication.
Further, the notification stated that practical steps must be taken to enable a learning environment for all students, particularly those hailing from minority communities, by promoting inter-faith and inter-provincial harmony.
The committee will also ensure practical measures for the mental and physical comfort and safety of the students through the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras which eliminate blind spots inside and outside the institutions.
It will also ascertain the prevention of loitering in and around the schools and colleges.
The response strategy to combat harassment and bullying issues suggest the formation of a five-member Reporting Council (RC) comprising HoI, three senior faculty members, and a school or college prefect to be nominated by the HoI, after mutual consultation, at each institution.
It will maintain liaison with the class representatives including prefects and monitors at each level as well.
The RC will encourage students to report any harassment or bullying incidents.
The council will also be bound to maintaining the confidentiality of any complaints received and refer the case to the committee transparently and objectively. It will also act as a bridge between the victim and the committee.
Moreover, once the complaint is received, the committee would be responsible for convening its meeting within five working days.
The committee will also adopt an objective approach by formally recording counter-narrative from both parties and would then make recommendations in the light of the relevant provisions of state laws and supporting evidence.
It could also suggest disciplinary action including imposition of fine and termination of teachers and expulsion or suspension of students.
In case an outsider is involvement in a case, such as a parent or guardian, the committee may refer the case to the FDE chief with all available records, the circular stated.
The DG would then assign the case to any director-level official who will be responsible for cross-examining the proceedings of the committee as per available documentary evidence.
The related official will submit the report to the FDE chief within 15 days for a final decision.
After the pronunciation of the order by FDE, HoIs will be liable to implement them within five working days.
The notification added that any pleas or appeals in this regard shall be routed to the DG office for consideration.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2020.
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