Groups of protesting Rhodes University students this morning disrupted lectures, academic departments and test venues in defiance of management’s statement that academic programmes and operations would continue as normal today.
The Rhodes SRC this morning announced a complete academic shutdown, but management was quick to respond, saying it would be business as usual.
Rhodes spokeswoman Catherine Deiner said students had the right to protest but their actions would not be allowed infringe on the rights of others.
“The university management acknowledges the student protest action and staff and students are advised to remain calm and not to be confrontational if the students disrupt their work or lectures.”
But disruptions began almost immediately with groups of students going to the library and lecture venues.
Some students questioned the right of protestors to disrupt their lectures
“We are talking about issues of consent here,” said one student on social media. “What then, makes it okay for you to think that you can force people to join the protest, or to stop them from studying?”
Others that were not participating said they too were survivors of rape and the protest was having a “triggering” effect on them and it wasn’t’ right that they be forced to participate.
The protests were sparked by the publication on social media of a list of 11 Rhodes University male students accused of sexual assault.
Students say the rape culture at Rhodes has to be addressed. They are questioning the efficacy of the university’s policies around rape and sexual assault which they say are complicit in perpetuating the rape culture.
By lunchtime, management was locked in talks with student leaders. The protests continued around campus.
Deiner flatly denied rumours that the university was seeking an urgent interdict against protesting students.
Rhodes management locked in talks with student leaders
The Rhodes SRC this morning announced a complete academic shutdown, but management was quick to respond, saying it would be business as usual.
Rhodes spokeswoman Catherine Deiner said students had the right to protest but their actions would not be allowed infringe on the rights of others.
“The university management acknowledges the student protest action and staff and students are advised to remain calm and not to be confrontational if the students disrupt their work or lectures.”
But disruptions began almost immediately with groups of students going to the library and lecture venues.
Some students questioned the right of protestors to disrupt their lectures
“We are talking about issues of consent here,” said one student on social media. “What then, makes it okay for you to think that you can force people to join the protest, or to stop them from studying?”
Others that were not participating said they too were survivors of rape and the protest was having a “triggering” effect on them and it wasn’t’ right that they be forced to participate.
The protests were sparked by the publication on social media of a list of 11 Rhodes University male students accused of sexual assault.
Students say the rape culture at Rhodes has to be addressed. They are questioning the efficacy of the university’s policies around rape and sexual assault which they say are complicit in perpetuating the rape culture.
By lunchtime, management was locked in talks with student leaders. The protests continued around campus.
Deiner flatly denied rumours that the university was seeking an urgent interdict against protesting students.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos