The video which surfaced on social networks appears to show a student snorting white substance.
The Vern University of Applied Sciences has terminated a study contract with a student who was recently filmed with a mobile phone consuming white powder in class. The student, whose name has not been disclosed, has been permanently expelled from the private university, reports Jutarnji List on November 18, 2017.
“Following the disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with the institution’s bylaws, it has been determined that the student had committed a serious violation of internal rules. As far as we are concerned, this story has been concluded,” said Vern’s communication department. Judging by the statement, the student who recorded the video has not been subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
This unprecedented case of a student filmed snorting white substance during a lecture has drawn huge public interest. Two days ago, when the video first surfaced, Vern admitted that there was a high probability that the student in question was one of theirs, which was later confirmed. Referring to the Law on Personal Data Protection, they did not specify the identity, age, or study programme of the student.
Unofficially, the student met on Friday with university management and denied she was taking cocaine or any other illegal substance. She defended herself by saying she was just pretending to snort cocaine in order to make a funny video, and that the substance in question was actually baby powder.
The Disciplinary Commission apparently did not accept her explanation.
“Even just simulating something like this, suggesting drug use, is inappropriate behaviour and gross violation of rules and academic standards,” said Dean of the Vern University of Applied Sciences Vlatko Cvrtila. Asked whether the student expressed her regret for harming the reputation of the institution, the Dean replied he could not speak in her name. “I am not sure it was evident to her what could happen when she did that. It is not uncommon for young people to later come to the conclusion that they had done something totally unacceptable, but they still have to face the consequences,” said Cvrtila.
According to its website, Vern was founded in 1990 and the Vern School of Applied Sciences begun its operations in 2000. As the first Croatian private business school, Vern started with the professional studies of entrepreneurship economics, which still represents the backbone of its undergraduate study programme. In 2007, Vern became the first Croatian private university of applied sciences oriented to business education.
Translated from Jutarnji List.
