Umm Al-Qura justifies student expulsions ‘on moral grounds’

MAKKAH — The Umm Al-Qura University stood by its decision to expel “over 20” students on moral grounds. The students were reported to have committed violations including fighting among themselves and with their peers, and cross-dressed in drag while aping the opposite gender. Okaz/Saudi Gazette sources confirmed that the university council approved the decision taken by the university administration last semester. The university revealed in a statement the reasons for expulsion while detailing the violations the students committed. Parents of the students or statutory bodies, after going through the statement can appeal to save the students’ status, the sources said, indicating “it’s the right of students to apply for mitigation of punishment. They can come forward with a written request to the authority concerned, and the disciplinary committee will consider the request. The panel will take into account the overall student development before taking an appropriate decision, while also seeking to mete out an alternative punishment.” One source said: “The expulsion is not final until follow-ups with the students for at least eight months, including warnings and guidance and taking pledges and lengthy sessions with discipline management, all of which is documented in each student’s file. A decision shall be taken only after a call requesting their appearance before the disciplinary committee, which includes a selection of academics and educators.” The university indicated that it “regrets having to take strict decisions”, but stressed that the university had a moral and educational responsibility toward students and staff, especially with the behaviors and practices that represent a breach of public morality that harm others. The university said that all avenues, within the university and beyond, are available to anyone who believes the students have been wrongfully punished, the sources said. Taif University, meanwhile, issued disciplinary actions in two disputes — the first on the new girls’ campus in Hawiye that left three students injured and the second at the headquarters of the preparatory year students (literary stream) building at Al-Faisaliah neighborhood — over a month ago. The university expelled nine students and suspended 17 others while letting off eight others with warnings. The university vowed that it will not tolerate any violations and will deal firmly with disruptions on campus, or actions that are contrary to the teachings of the Islamic religion.