On Wednesday September 16th, both the Executive Team and Judicial Committee of Ashesi University unanimously decided to dismiss a student in the Class of 2010. Both groups arrived at this decision based on statements and hearing of all parties.
In a letter dated September 15th 2009, the student was reminded that:
The College reserves the right to exclude, at any time, students who violate university rules, including but not limited to, violations of ethical standards, theft, threatening behavior, and assault. Neither the College nor any of its officers shall be under any liability whatsoever for such exclusion. (pg.15, Student Handbook).
We assert that the Ashesi education is a privilege –not a right– earned by the most motivated and committed students, and especially, by those willing to conduct themselves according to the values that Ashesi holds dear. The student in question committed the following actions which indicate that he does not merit the privilege of the Ashesi education:
- Restricted the movement of another student at the Danquah hostel on Wednesday September 2, 2009 against her will.
- Committed physical acts of aggression towards the student.
Such actions do not reflect the values of this institution. We assert that education at Ashesi is a privilege and not a right and the Executive Committee/ Ashesi Judicial Council made their decision based on the student’s actions which threatened the safety of another student member of the university, to withdraw this privilege.
Lessons Learned:
Ashesi is a community that encourages mutual respect among students, faculty and staff. As such all members of the community, including students, are encouraged to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of future leaders and in congruence with Ashesi’s values. All members of the community should express their opinions in a respectful and non-threatening manner.
