Indian Institute of Technology Bombay: Inclusivity in Premier Education

The Indian Institute of Technology started with two locations in 1958 and eventually grew into an educational network with over 23 institutions across India. Graduate and Ph.D. students were the torchbearers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, on February 12, 2023, an 18-year-old student from the Scheduled Caste community committed suicide at the student hostel for Indian Institute of Technology Bombay students. His death spurred students and social organizations to advocate for justice. Exclusion based on caste injured their well-being and had a direct involvement in leading individuals to undertake the extreme step of suicide, which raised a question about the role that higher education institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology played in fostering a culture of inclusivity among key stakeholders: students, faculty, and administrators. Could an educational institution uphold its tradition of excellence in education while fostering an inclusive environment for students from marginalized backgrounds? How did caste-based bias create a challenge for an institution that hoped to build an inclusive culture to support learning and well-being for all students?

<p align="justify">This case is suitable for undergraduate, graduate, and executive education courses dealing with topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, ethics, and discrimination in the workplace. The case provides a comprehensive examination of subtle forms of discrimination that persist despite legal protections available to victims. By delving into concepts such as microaggressions, inclusivity, and organizational culture, this case encourages a critical analysis of caste-based discrimination and its impact on institutional dynamics. It challenges students to explore how organizations can foster a more inclusive culture and address underlying biases effectively. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to<br><br><ul><li>develop an understanding of caste as a barrier to inclusion;</li><li>understand the implication of exclusion on the peer group;</li><li>understand the role of stakeholders in addressing exclusion; and</li><li>explore the possible mechanisms of minimizing caste-based exclusions.</li></ul>

• inclusion
• caste discrimination
• equity
• diversity
• marginalized communities
• institutional bias
• higher education
• micro-aggressions
• inclusivity
• organizational culture
• social justice
• bias mitigation
• academic excellence
• systemic exclusion
• equity challenges
• discrimination impact
• inclusivity strategies
• student well-being