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Chulalongkorn University lecturer chokes out a student and drags him away as colleagues watch, during the chaotic initiation ceremony on Aug 3. (Photo FB/Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal)
Chula wrong on Netiwit
2 Sep 2017
Source: Bangkok Post Editorial
Given the widespread suppression of human rights and freedom of expression under the current military rule, Thailand’s educational institutions could be playing a role in preserving and nurturing a more open and democratic society.
Disappointingly, the country’s oldest university has done just the opposite. Chulalongkorn University’s dismissal of Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal from his democratically elected post of president of its student council for “inappropriate behaviour” is a dishonourable act amid the rising tide of nationalism and authoritarianism.
Publicly known for his anti-coup stance and criticism of established regulations at schools including mandatory uniforms and haircuts, Mr Netiwit, a second-year political science student, challenged the status quo at this university.
Elected as president of the student council in May, he pledged to reform hazing rituals for freshmen and the 20-year-old induction tradition of having students prostrate themselves to statues of past monarchs as part of the oath-giving ceremony.
At this year's prostrating ceremony on Aug 3, Mr Netiwit and four other council members walked out of the outdoor activity when it was raining. One of the students was locked in a chokehold by an angry lecturer, and the much-publicised scene went viral on social media.
But Mr Netiwit's "act of rebellion" cost him his position. On Wednesday, Chulalongkorn University issued an order to remove him and the four students from their posts, citing a cut in their merit points due to their behaviour during the ceremony.
The dismissal shows the university’s executive board is authoritarian in its style of management. It should respect the fact that Mr Netiwit was elected by students. Mr Netiwit has claimed the investigation into his behaviour was rushed. The cut in his merit points by 25 marks is also seen as excessively harsh.
Chulalongkorn’s executives should be aware they are using an unnecessarily heavy-handed approach over a trivial issue. They have shown their inability to accept students’ freedom to provoke, challenge and unsettle.
On the other hand, the dismissal of Mr Netiwit is seen as retaliation against his "rebellious acts". The university has accused him of hosting a public hearing to allow Suan Luang Square vendors to voice their plight. If an investigation into this matter results in an additional cut in Mr Netiwit’s merit points, the student activist may be suspended from his studies.
The university’s use of its regulations to punish Mr Netiwit and his fellow students is similar to the military regime’s suppression of its opponents and critics, notably anti-coup student activist Jatupat “Pai Dao Din” Boonpattararaksa.
While it is understandable the ruling generals are repressive in their nature, it is regrettable to see academics adopting the same approach.
Chulalongkorn University should be proud of having students such as Mr Netiwit and his fellow council members who care for the plight of ordinary people. They dare to challenge the established norms and are active in their calls for progressive change to Thai society in general and the Thai education system in particular. They did not physically assault anyone during the initiation ceremony and should not be punished. On the contrary, one of them was assaulted by a member of staff.
This matter reflects how our education system has become obsessed with trivial non-academic issues, such as ceremonies and dress codes, but not sufficiently fostered a learning environment where provocative student-led debate is encouraged.
Academic institutes that do not respect different ideas and the harmless acts of others will hardly be ideal places to produce generations of leaders and professionals showing excellence in innovation and leadership.
Universities and schools should embrace freedom of expression and respect students’ rights, not suppress them. Chulalongkorn should be the one setting a good example.
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