We, the Students’ Union of the University of Hyderabad, believe that Rohith Vemula’s decision to take his own life is a symptom of a larger problem that plagues institutions of higher education in India. The University of Hyderabad (UoH), considered a premier institution of India, has not taken adequate steps to support and protect students from socially underprivileged castes.

To address caste-based, and other forms of discrimination in higher educational institutions, the institutions must accept that discrimination on the basis of caste and other identities, in overt and covert ways, is a reality on our campuses. The Students’ Union of UoH would like to suggest an institutional mechanism that shall ensure that these deep-seated social practices are addressed head-on.