KUWAIT: Despite heavy criticism, the Kuwait University is still adamant on retaining its gender-biased admissions policy. The policy sets different standards for university applicants based on their gender. As reported earlier in the Kuwait Times, the policy requires female students to have relatively higher general scores in order to be admitted when compared with male students. In recent updates, nine female students were reportedly refused to be accepted in the majors of medicine and dentistry, despite scoring high in their first year in university. The students were advised to try other majors.

Fayiz Alnashwan, President of the Kuwait Anti-Bias Association said the reasons cited for the refusal of admission in the program was social norms and restrictions, "The students were told that in future, physicians and dentists work long hours and spend long hours in training. So the number of female students accepted is limited. The university does not wish to invest too much in women who will eventually, presumably, not work long hours because of social restrictions," noted Alnashwan.

He noted that while the university is free to accept and refuse students based on what it sees fit, it must give valid excuses for taking these actions, "The Kuwaiti Constitution is clear in equating men and women. There are exceptions that pertain to Sharia-law, for example with the issue of female judges. These issues are resolved after many discussions. But refusing students simply because of their gender is not acceptable," he said.

Alnashwan expressed surprise at the Minister of Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi's silence towards this unfair decision. "The minister has always been very active in the field of citizens' rights, and is an advocate for education and a believer in the youth. We trust that he will make the right decision," he said. The Kuwait Anti-Bias Association published a statement condemning the sexist attitude of admissions in Kuwait University, highlighting the dangers this will have on the development of society.

Lawmaker Musallam Al-Barrak wrote a letter to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah pleading that he intervene in solving the dilemma of the nine female students. "These are people of this country. They are dedicated, hardworking students who will benefit their nation. Unfair decisions will ruin their chances. The lack of clear vision in the government does not seem to take that into account," he said.


SOURCE: WUNRN