DSNLU Grants Official Recognition to Queer Alliance After Faculty Remarks

The DSNLU Queer Alliance (DSQA) at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Visakhapatnam, received official recognition from the University days after a Constitutional Law faculty member made derogatory remarks about queer relationships. This significant step followed an October 8 meeting where Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof D Surya Prakasa Rao accepted all of DSQA's demands, which included not only official recognition but also an apology from the professor and VC, mandatory sensitisation workshops for staff, and an official statement affirming the University's commitment to being safe and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ individuals. A committee has also been established to inquire into the incident, signaling institutional accountability.

This development holds considerable legal significance, particularly in the context of evolving LGBTQIA+ rights in India and the role of educational institutions in fostering inclusive environments. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by queer individuals even within academic settings, despite landmark judgments like *Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India* decriminalizing homosexuality. The University's swift action in recognizing DSQA and initiating an inquiry demonstrates a positive institutional response to student advocacy, setting a precedent for other educational bodies to address discrimination and promote diversity proactively.

The legal context for this situation is rooted in the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, particularly Articles 14, 15, and 21, which guarantee equality, prohibit discrimination, and protect personal liberty and dignity. The professor's remarks, made while discussing *Supriyo Chakraborty v. Union of India* (the Supreme Court judgment that refused to recognise same-sex marriage), underscore the need for academic discourse to be conducted respectfully and without prejudice, even when discussing sensitive legal topics. University regulations and codes of conduct for faculty and students also form a crucial part of the legal framework governing such incidents.

The key parties involved are the DSNLU Queer Alliance (DSQA), Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Vice-Chancellor Prof D Surya Prakasa Rao, and Assistant Professor Dr A Nageshwara Rao. The outcome of the inquiry committee's findings and any subsequent actions against the professor are not yet reported. The official recognition of DSQA and the commitment to sensitisation workshops represent a significant victory for student activism and LGBTQIA+ advocacy within the university.

Practitioners advising educational institutions should review and strengthen their anti-discrimination policies, codes of conduct, and grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure they explicitly cover LGBTQIA+ individuals. It is imperative to implement mandatory sensitisation training for all staff and faculty to prevent such incidents and to foster an inclusive and respectful academic environment. For student bodies and advocacy groups, this case illustrates the effectiveness of organized, principled demands in achieving institutional change and securing rights.