Loreto College, a prestigious institution affiliated to the University of Calcutta in West Bengal’s Kolkata, came at the center of a controversy after it refused admission to students from non-English medium schools. The college’s discriminatory admissions policy sparked outrage on social media platforms, prompting a swift and forceful response from the public.
College forced to withdraw discriminatory policy amid protests
As the undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2023-24 begin in West Bengal, Loreto College announced online that applicants from Bengali and Hindi-medium schools are not eligible for admission. The institute’s note, along with the list of selected students, states that candidates from local medium schools were excluded due to the English-centric curriculum, examinations and teaching material of the college. The decision raised a storm of criticism against the college.
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Critics criticized the policy as a “colonial hangover”.
The college’s policy, which emphasized the importance of English fluency, was accused of perpetuating a colonial mindset. Critics argued that such exclusionary practices ignored the talents and potential of students from local medium schools. The original notice also advised these students to look for bilingual institutions for higher education, further provoking a backlash.
Calcutta University intervened and sought clarification
Taking note of the controversial policy, Calcutta University sought an explanation from Loreto College principal Christine Coutinho. The university sought clarification on discriminatory admission criteria that ignored students from local medium schools. The investigation by the university administration increased the pressure on the college to resolve the issue immediately.
The college tendered an unconditional apology and withdrew the policy.
Under mounting pressure, Loreto College issued an unconditional apology towards the people of Bengal, acknowledging that the admission notice was not in line with the college’s cherished values. The institute apologized for any loss and immediately withdrew the discriminatory admissions policy. The college emphasized its commitment to serve the people of Bengal and to maintain its age-old heritage of holistic education.
College clarifies intent and acknowledges language barriers
Responding to queries from the University of Calcutta, Loreto College clarified that the policy aims to address language-specific barriers faced by students from local medium backgrounds. The institution’s statement said that teachers have faced difficulties to students who lack English fluency in the following lectures. The college intended to create a comfortable learning environment, but regretted the unintended consequences of its policy and apologized for hurting the sentiments of students.
By immediately withdrawing its discriminatory admission policy and offering a sincere apology, Loreto College aims to make amends and reaffirm its commitment to inclusiveness and equal opportunities for all students in Bengal.