It is quite alarming to hear about the recent English exam conducted by Comsats University in Pakistan. Students were apparently asked to respond to a question on the contentious “Julie and Mark scenario,” in which two siblings engage in sexual behavior. This raises questions regarding the morality and ideals that the university is encouraging in its pupils.
English exam in Pakistani university
Students given a “Julie and Mark scenario” where both are brother and sister and decide to have sex – and students are asked to answer if what they did was okay or wrong – students were also asked to give “examples from your own knowledge” pic.twitter.com/PZ3P7PlOCp
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) February 20, 2023
Comsats University has a responsibility to respect moral and ethical standards as an accountable educational organization. Unfortunately, the university looks to be normalizing incest and sexual misbehavior by having such a question in their English exam, which is wholly unethical. Such a question is incredibly inappropriate, and repulsive, and displays a lack of respect for human dignity.
The query also reveals the university’s ignorance of the role that language and literature play in forming moral principles and character. The university has displayed an alarming disdain for the effects of such a question on the sensitive minds of young pupils, rather than fostering moral ideals.
It is past time for Comsats University to examine its course offerings and dedication to instilling morals and ethical principles in its pupils. This kind of inquiry not only casts doubt on the university’s authority but also has the ability to harm the students’ moral principles and sense of integrity.
Ministry of Science and Technology, Office of the Federal Minister, of the Government of Pakistan has taken serious notice and shows its great concern and investigation into the English quiz from BEE’s first-semester course code HUM 100. It is alarming that pupils were exposed to such offensive and insensitive material that encourages immoral behavior, especially in light of Pakistan’s traditional societal mores.
The government’s prompt response to this issue sends a clear message that incidents like this won’t be accepted and that educational institutions need to be more cautious and accountable when creating their exams. The recent investigation highlights the need for closer scrutiny to make sure that our children are educated in a way that respects our social norms and values. It is crucial that the educational system fosters values and morals that are in line with our cultural and religious traditions and sensitivities.
The promotion of immoral beliefs and conduct among pupils is inappropriate in any educational setting. To prevent similar occurrences in the future and to stop its students from being exposed to offensive and insensitive material in their tests, Comsats University must take corrective action.
