Zenaida Alzaga
To provide safe spaces free from gender-based violence, as well as mechanisms for reporting in case the integrity of the Polytechnic community is compromised, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) has implemented, as of June 1st, the Protocol for the Prevention, Detection, and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence, as well as the Support Guide for Addressing Reports of Gender-Based Violence.
This legal instrument responds to the demands of Polytechnic students and staff for the updating of institutional response mechanisms that promote the creation of educational and work environments free from manifestations of violence, both physical and digital. These mechanisms are part of the zero-tolerance policy advocated by the General Director of this academic institution, Arturo Reyes Sandoval.
During her participation in the Eighth Ordinary Session of the XLI General Advisory Council, the Institute's General Counsel, María de los Ángeles Jasso Cisneros, stated that the document was developed in strict compliance with human rights provisions.
The protocol establishes guidelines for specialized Institute authorities to act efficiently when incidents that harm members of the Polytechnic community occur within the facilities or on social media platforms.
The General Counsel informed that they are working in coordination with the Attorney General's Office of Mexico City, which recently opened a specialized office to directly handle reports filed by high school and university-level students of the Politécnico.
Furthermore, awareness campaigns on these issues are being conducted in IPN schools to ensure that students are informed about the mechanisms and procedures for filing complaints regarding acts that jeopardize their physical and moral integrity.
Jasso Cisneros pointed out that the instruments include sanctions, such as a warning, reprimand, suspension for students, or temporary expulsion; it is also possible to apply reprimands or suspensions to Institute staff who commit an offense.
He expressed that with the publication of both documents, the IPN becomes a national and international reference in this field, as it is contemplated that they will be translated into different languages and indigenous languages.
The protocol consists of 71 articles and a glossary of terms that details the guidelines to avoid re-victimization and prioritize testimonial mechanisms, to ensure impartial and transparent follow-up of the cases that arise, per human rights and in line with institutional regulations.
These actions are in addition to the institutional policies of zero tolerance and a life free from violence, framed within the objectives of security, integrity, and well-being of the polytechnic community.
On the other hand, the Guide is a tool that will allow the identification of acts of violence, as well as the role of the polytechnic dependencies involved in the complaint processes, who will provide timely advice based on what is stipulated in the Protocol.
Likewise, it outlines the procedures for addressing complaints within the institutional scope or beyond its jurisdiction through the Unit for the Investigation of Sexual Crimes Committed against Students in Higher Secondary and Higher Education of the Attorney General's Office of Justice of Mexico City.
Gaceta Politécnica #1732. 2023, June 16th. IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in spanish here
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