Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, following posts on social media and articles published in the press, a group of students of the Open University of Mauritius had lodged complaints against a lecturer. According to the students, the allegations were serious – (i) the use of irrelevant and inappropriate comments during a lecture held on 22 February 2025 from around 10:30 hrs to 12:30 hrs, and (ii) racism and communal bias in the grading of examinations. I am informed that the Open University of Mauritius immediately established an Internal Committee to enquire into these allegations. A preliminary report has been submitted to my Ministry. The Committee reviewed the nearly 1 hour 47 minutes long lecture recordings, saved on the Learning Management System as well as the entire marking process. The Committee has identified potentially compromising elements and has therefore recommended that a thorough investigation be carried out. I am further informed that an independent full-fledged committee will now be established after legal advice is obtained. My Ministry will exercise direct oversight throughout this process. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, such behaviour, if proven, violates Section 16 of our Constitution, guaranteeing equality and protection from discrimination, the Open University of Mauritius Act, requiring academic integrity. Any conduct undermining equality contradicts the foundational principles upon which our Republic is built. Let me be absolutely clear on three points – • First, there will be no cover up. Every allegation will be investigated thoroughly and transparently. The findings would be made available to this House. No one will be shielded. No misconduct will be swept under the carpet. The truth will be established.

76 • Second, justice will be served without hesitation. If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate action will be taken, including suspension or termination where warranted. No qualification, no tenure, no position will protect anyone found to have engaged in racism, discrimination or harassment. • Third, this Government adopts zero tolerance. Any recurrence of such misconduct at any tertiary education institution will be dealt with firmly and decisively. We will not allow any act to ignite division, undermine our constitutional values or compromise our education system’s integrity. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to reassure the hon. Member, the students and parents, no student will suffer academically as a result of these complaints or the investigation. The University has already taken measures to ensure this. Alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that the students have fair assessment, support services and protection from retaliation, if ever there is any. All necessary actions will be taken to preserve academic integrity, ensure justice and maintain public confidence. Beyond this specific case, my Ministry will strengthen complaint mechanisms across all tertiary education institutions, enhance professional standards, mandatory training on cultural sensitivity and anti-discrimination, improve student welfare system and ensure robust oversight to prevent such incidents. Our students deserve learning environments free from discrimination, fair assessment, based solely on merit, respect and dignity in all interactions and equal treatment regardless of race, religion or any other characteristic. The investigation will be independent, impartial and legally compliant, urgent and transparent. I will update this House upon its completion. Thank you.

The hon. Third Member for Pamplemousses and Triolet! RODRIGUES – ANIMAL WELFARE ACT – COMPLIANCE