KOZHIKODE: Calicut University vice-chancellor Dr K. Mohammed Basheer has said that he stood by the decision to to allow a B.P.Ed student to attend classes, although he was banned by the physical education department from attending classes from August 1 for refusing to shave his beard. He added that the decision was taken based on the recommendation by the board for adjudication on student grievances.
A section of students reportedly boycotted classes after the VC's decision.
First-year integrated B.P.Ed student Mohammed Hilal filed a complaint with the varsity in the first week of August when the department did not allow him to sit in class stating that male students were required to shave their beards. However, it is learnt that the department did not turn up for the sitting conducted by the board for adjudication even after repeated reminders.
"It is consequent to the department's apathy in attending the hearing and giving their statement, that the Board which also includes four syndicate members, decided to admit the student.
“If the department is worried about discipline, then they should have set an example by attending the hearing," said a Board member. He added that the department was trying to delay the hearing so that the student would not be able to attend the examination due to shortage of attendance.
