You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.

• I, as dean of academics of university
  • Mr X , a specially abled professor
  • HOD of department
  • Students
  • Reputation of university

Ethical issues in this case are

→ Mr X not performing his academic duties diligently - violation of public services code.

→ Belief of internal politics victim of Mr X

→ Concern of charge against university for discrimination against Mr. X

→ Concern of academic standard of

university and students study. → Concern of my duty to uphold the reputation of university.

b) Various options available to me are -

Option 1 → Talking with Mr. X and asking him to forget the matter and keep things as such.

Option 2 → Conducting strict inquiry about Mr X and his policy of threatening university.

Option 3 → Discussion with both Mr X, students along with concerned HOD to sort out the issue amicably.

c) If I choose option 1, I would satisfy and appease professor but

that would be against interest of students.

If I opt option 2, though it may satisfy students but professor would file a complaint going against prestige of university.

but option 3 seems to be most appropriate course of action. so I would choose it

→ It would ensure grievance of students to be heard and addressed.

→ would ensure that victimised attitude of Mr X be settled.

→ It would also settle the difference of opinions between Mr X and students

→ Meanwhile it would also protect university from any unfair criticism.