Arguments

To Saad

Dear Saad,

I understand the fact that you come from a pious Muslim background and have certain beliefs about women’s role in society but you have to understand that the environment you are learning in is also comprised with a large number of female students who are, like you, coming here to learn the same way as anyone else. They wish to pursue their education and then their careers the same way you wish to do. The remarks you made during your conflict with Zara were not only unprofessional, they were also deeply hurtful to her. And upon listening to the remarks, other female students of your class were disturbed as well. Some of your male colleagues have also made the remarks that your behavior towards women is quite hostile. You have to take this as a sign that there is a difference of opinion between you and the majority of people who attend this class and you also have to realise that just like the corporate world you are about to work in after completing your education, the university also has a diverse range of students who all wish to excel in their careers. Therefore, it is important that you respect everyone you interact with, no matter what your beliefs are, and treat everyone in an equal and professional manner, no matter who they are. So, I would suggest that you apologise and make peace with Zara and try to work on a more accepting attitude with everyone.

To Zara

Dear Zara,

The conflict you had with Saad was deeply concerning and we have had a discussion with Saad on this matter. But, while you were right to be infuriated by the comments made by Saad during the conflict and those comments were were contrary to the beliefs of equal opportunity and goals that everyone is allowed to have, you should have realised that the conversation was becoming a bit too personal and should have tried to steer it away from becoming personal. While the comments made by Saad were indeed hurtful, they were directed towards women in general and he did not make any personal attacks towards you. On the other hand, you made some remarks about him and his daughter that were deeply personal and should not have been made. The university is indeed concerned about the remarks and Saad’s general attitude towards women but we are doing everything we can to resolve this issue. In the meantime, we suggest that you try to apologise to Saad for any personal comments you made about him and try to resolve the issue in a professional manner, keeping your personal beliefs aside. If this does not go as planned, we can also try to resolve this matter by arbitration with a counselor in a safe environment.