Grenoble Management School Disciplines Students After Racist Videos Surface
Several videos circulating on social media this week depict students engaging in what many are calling racist behavior, sparking outrage and calls for disciplinary action. The videos, described as "shameless, disrespectful, and intolerable," show students mocking Muslim faith and engaging in other insensitive actions.
"[…] We can see caricatures of Muslims and a video of a student filming himself eating pork with the Adhan (the call to prayer) in the background," wrote a concerned individual, alerting authorities to the videos. “I am informing you of these incidents in the hope that with your influence, the image of this school will take a hit," he continued, expressing disappointment that the institution had initially seemed inactive in addressing the issue.
The videos quickly gained traction on social media, attracting the attention of anti-racism advocates and concerned community members. The Tajmaât service, a collaborative platform dedicated to fighting racism and supporting North African communities, highlighted the videos, calling for accountability from the institution.
🇨🇵 FLASH- Last evening, a student of North African origin reported to us inappropriate behavior of certain students from @Grenoble_EM, in particular mockery against students of Muslim faith. According to initial information, the establishment had not taken… pic.twitter.com/wClTmDRmEd
— Tajmaât (@Tajmaat_Service) December 9, 2024Responding to growing pressure, Grenoble Management School (GEM) announced on social media that "firm disciplinary measures were taken this morning. Rest assured that we are just as shocked and scandalized as you by these shameful, disrespectful and intolerable videos.” The long-awaited response provided some assurance to the concerned public.
The statement confirms that the school recognized the students involved and, according to Tajmaât, perpetrators.” The platform further emphasized the need for continued vigilance and action to address discriminatory behavior:
“[in response [] to the controversy relayed on social networks by numerous Internet users, the establishment publicly declares having taken, as of today, disciplinary measures against the students involved,”
The school’s swift action to discipline the students involved has been met with mixed reactions. Some applaud GEM for taking responsibility and sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Others remain skeptical, urging the school to remain transparent about the disciplinary actions taken and to demonstrate a long-term commitment to combating racism on campus.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in addressing racial prejudice. While the immediate response from GEM has been positive, the incident underscores the need for ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students.
* To what extent does the school’s swift disciplinary action demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing systemic issues of inclusivity and tolerance, or does it primarily serve as a performative response to public pressure? [[1](https://www.usf.edu/innovative-education/documents/digital-learning-guides/academic_integrity_for_online_instruction.pdf)]
This incident at Grenoble Management School raises vital questions about duty and accountability within academic institutions. Do you think the school’s swift disciplinary action is enough to address this issue, or are there further steps they should take to ensure a truly inclusive and tolerant learning environment?
