Disturbing Allegations of Hazing at Rabat Mining School
Recent complaints voiced by first-year students at Morocco's National School of Mineral Industry in Rabat have intensified discussions surrounding the troubling practice of hazing, locally referred to as "bizutage." These new allegations detail a series of distressing experiences, including forced shaving, sleep deprivation, and degrading exercises, all purportedly inflicted by senior students. Reports indicate that these practices persisted for approximately 15 days within the school's dormitory, crossing the line from traditional newcomer integration into serious issues concerning student safety and psychological well-being.
In a complaint obtained by Hespress, students recounted the harrowing conditions they faced, which included regular sleep deprivation and participation in activities that involved both individual and group intimidation. Some of the shocking practices involved coercing students to strip down to their underwear, use obscene language, and adopt degrading physical positions. A particularly disturbing exercise, referred to as "position minotte," allegedly forced students to place their faces against tables, bow their heads, and keep their hands behind their backs while facing pressure and intimidation from their peers.
Additionally, students reported being compelled to eat with their hands while sitting on the floor, as they were prohibited from using utensils. Other humiliating activities included requiring them to perform movements known as the “duck walk” and “caterpillar.” Male students disclosed that they were collectively coerced into shaving their heads, further illustrating the extent of the hazing culture that seems to pervade the institution.
What is particularly concerning is that these alleged incidents reportedly took place in visible areas of the school, where faculty members, security personnel, and cafeteria workers could easily observe the actions. This raises serious questions about the oversight and responsibility of the school's administration in addressing such practices. Students who resisted participation faced significant social pressure and exclusion from group activities, creating an environment where seeking help or rejecting these degrading practices became increasingly challenging.
In light of these alarming allegations, students have formally submitted a complaint to the ministry responsible for the energy transition sector, urging a thorough investigation into the matter. They have also implicated members of the school's student association office in organizing these hazing activities, suggesting a broader issue within the school's culture.
Hazing has been a recurrent theme in complaints at various higher education institutions across Morocco, including engineering, medical, and dental schools. Despite these ongoing concerns, previous parliamentary inquiries directed at ministers overseeing the education sector have largely gone unanswered, leaving students and their advocates frustrated and seeking accountability.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
