Hundreds join open-air classes organised for five rusticated JNU students

Hundreds of JNU students and professors unite in solidarity through open-air classes for five rusticated students facing disciplinary action.

In an expression of solidarity, hundreds of students and professors – including retired faculty members from other universities – are attending open-air classes organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) for five students who were rusticated for two semesters earlier this month.

They include four JNUSU office-bearers and a former president of the body. Disciplinary action was taken against them for allegedly indulging in vandalism during a protest last year against the installation of a biometric entry system at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library. The students, who also received hostel eviction notices on February 14, are now staying in makeshift camps on the campus.

JNUSU has been holding the open-air classes on the campus since Monday.

Union president Aditi, one of the five rusticated students, said on Wednesday that several schools in JNU had convened general body meetings and passed resolutions to boycott classes in solidarity with the students. “Your [administration’s] out-of-bounds order will not mean anything,” JNUSU vice-president Gopika Babu said.