Chennai: A student from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology in Chennai has filed a formal complaint with India’s Lokpal, the national anti-corruption ombudsman, alleging that the university enforces gender segregation in its classrooms, leading to discrimination and mental distress. The anonymous complaint, filed on October 4, 2025, specifically names Vice Chancellor Mariazeena Johnson and claims the policy prevents male and female students from sitting together.

This complaint has brought to light a significant contradiction between the university’s official stance and the alleged on-ground practices. Despite the institution’s public commitment to gender equity, students report that segregation extends beyond classrooms to other campus areas, including buses and laboratories

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