A six-person committee has recently been formed by Delhi University. It is with the task of creating guidelines for social media use by staff at DU. This decision has sparked apprehension among certain faculty members. These members perceive it as a potential measure to restrict academic freedoms within the DU campus.
An official notice dated December 8 states that a committee has been created by the university’s responsible authority. This is with the express purpose of resolving problems pertaining to social media use by staff at DU. Moreover, the language of the notification suggests a keen interest in regulating and shaping the nature of social media engagement among the university staff.
Highlighting the substantial impact of social media on student-teacher communication, Sanjeev Singh, Director of Delhi University Computer Centre and Chairperson of the committee, underscored the need for a policy. The social media use by staff at DU, with the overarching goal of cultivating thoughtful communication channels and practices.
A reliable source, speaking on anonymity, revealed that discussions have initiated during a prior inquiry on this issue. The proposal to establish policies regulating the social media use by staff at DU had introduced. Given that all individuals involved are government employees, the university needs to promote responsible social media practices within the DU community.
Apart from Singh, the committee comprises other distinguished members. These include Ajay Jaiswal, the Principal of the School of Open Learning; Kshitij Kumar Singh from the Campus Law Centre; Manish Manocha, a legal professional; Anup Lather, the Press Relations Officer of DU; and Manisha from the Department of History. Each member contributes diverse perspectives to address the matter at hand.
However, Maya John, an Academic Council member and Assistant Professor at Jesus and Mary College voiced apprehension about a concerning development. Ultimately, she targeted regulating social media use by staff at DU. Moreover, she contends that this restriction will jeopardise democratic rights. It is the preachment of the Right to Privacy and freedom of expression of DU staff. Also, she highlighted the absence of elected teachers in the overseeing committee.
Likewise, Abha Dev Habib, an Associate Professor at Miranda House, questioned the rationale behind implementing policies for a public institution like DU. According to her, these policies surpass her understanding and can potentially restrict the university’s academic freedom. Furthermore, she proposed that if the university is truly functioning effectively, it should not be overly concerned. Hence, It should not worry about its image being adversely affected by social media use by staff at DU.
Numerous educators have expressed concerns about this recent decision. They are viewing it as a potential infringement on academic freedom within the DU campus. Also, many teachers worry that this step could curtail the autonomy traditionally enjoyed in academic pursuits.
These educators are apprehensive about the decision’s broader implications for the intellectual environment at the university. They express fears that such measures might suppress diversity of thought. For instance, they are arguing that it will hinder the open exchange of ideas, essential aspects of the academic experience. Some perceive the move as a departure from the principles that have historically upheld academic freedom within the DU community.
In conveying their worries, teachers underscore the significance of cultivating an atmosphere that promotes free expression and open discourse. The concerns voiced by these educators contribute to a larger conversation. At last, they are concerned about finding a delicate balance between institutional guidelines and the preservation of academic liberties.
