The Hindu : New Delhi News : A new controversy at St. Stephen’s College

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A new controversy at St. Stephen’s College

Staff Reporter

Interview in house magazine published by students

NEW DELHI: The latest edition of a fortnightly magazine published by students of St. Stephen’s College is likely to ruffle some feathers with the pro-tem administrator M.S. Frank’s comments in an interview being dubbed by many as “irresponsible” and “offensive”.

The magazine, “Stephanians on Universal Life” (SOUL), has interviewed Dr. Frank for its latest edition that came out on Wednesday.

When asked by the interviewers (two History students of the college) if St. Stephen’s was contemplating setting up co-educational residence blocks on its campus, Dr. Frank answered tongue in cheek: “I will have to create a maternity centre alongside. We live in a conservative society and I do not foresee this development.”

Reaction

A college teacher said even though not many had read the interview by Wednesday, those who did were “upset” with the statement.

“It is not something that one would expect from the head of an institution in a public forum,” said the teacher.

However, Dr. Frank reportedly said on Wednesday that his comment was not meant to hurt anyone or any section of society. Dr. Frank also pointed out in the interview that the Christian character of the college was an expectation that was not “up to the mark”.

“Despite possessing a name, there are a few things that are not up to the expectations. The Christian character of the college is one such expectation…,” he said.

When asked to define the “Christian character”, he answered: “It is an outgoing concern for the oppressed, less privileged and the unfortunate members of society. Our concern is mainly visible in the admissions policy of the last two years.”

“It has been catering to a certain elite of the society; this is in direct contrast to the Christian character as was envisioned by our founders,” he added.

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