UG probing ‘inappropriate’ law class discussion

Without naming him, the University of Guyana (UG) on Friday expressed dismay at what it deemed an inappropriate conversation, during a lecture by attorney-atlaw Christopher Ram, a recording of which has been circulated on Facebook.

According to the release, the Department of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, where Ram functions as a parttime lecturer, was investigating the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the conversation.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and is against the university’s policies, principles and culture. The university wishes to assure the public that the matter will be addressed to the full extent of its authority,” the press statement said.

The university also added that it was “deeply regrettable” that the issue was first aired in the public domain instead of going through internal channels that would have expedited the investigation and any disciplinary action.

The UG press release followed a letter by Joel Bhagwandin shared on his Facebook page, criticising the recorded discussion, which he claimed was “void of any sort of academic robustness”.

Bhagwandin wrote: “And not just that, he also, as a lecturer, needed to demonstrate to students the different arguments that one could develop around the same topic. Instead, the students were treated to a ridiculous ‘rum-shop’ style ‘gyaff’.”

When contacted by Stabroek News, Ram declined to discuss the matter.

In the recording, which was circulated on Facebook, a voice said to be Ram’s can be heard referring to members of the government, Kaieteur News, and social media personality Guyanese Critic. Mention was also made of the rule of law.