We’d rather keep our girls uneducated, than let them skirt tradition
Satish Malavade, Bapu Deedwania, Mumbai Mirror
March 2, 2008
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=2&contentid=20080302200803020233012616d8e1a0c

Introduction: Parents up in arms against management of Bandra’s Duruelo Convent School for barring students from wearing salwars beneath uniforms

The humble uniform has become the bone of contention between the management of Duruelo Convent School in Bandra (west) and a large section of parents. The school has passed a directive barring students from wearing salwars under their uniforms, comprising a knee-length skirt, on campus.

Most of the objecting parents say they see no need for this change as the school has been allowing students to wear salwars for many years now. However, the school says the directive was necessary to ensure ‘discipline’.

A miffed parent said, “Last week, my daughter was told not to wear salwar under her uniform. She usually removes the salwar once she reaches the school and becomes like any other student. Why is the school making an issue out of it? She is a grown-up girl. We do not appreciate her crossing the streets in a short skirt,” said a parent.

Sources at the school said the rule was enforced to ensure discipline and uniformity among students. “We want the students to come out of their cultural limitations. I support the move,” said a teacher, not wishing to be named.

Students from Class VI to IX were recently received instructions from principal Sister Pramila on this issue. Since then, some students have not turned up at the school. Those who have been going to the school complained that their salwars- which they put inside their bags once they are inside the school premises- were also taken away by the school authorities. “I was shocked when my daughter told me that the principal told her not to use the school changing room to put on her salwar after the classes were over. She told her to do that outside the school. This is ridiculous,” said another parent. Some parents said former principals were more accommodating and stressed on education of the girl child in Muslim families. “They had assured us that our children could wear salwars if we are uncomfortable about the skirts. We’d rather keep our daughter uneducated than allow her to step out like this. If this rule continues, I will be forced to pull my girl out of the school,” added a parent.

Some of them also found the language used by the principal offensive. “Some girls from Class VIII and IX wear burqas to school. They take them off on campus and put them back once they venture out. The principal asked them to go to some other school that allows this kind of dressing,” said a parent.

“We will bring this to the notice of the Parents Teachers Association and the management. How can they discriminate against my child on the basis of her dress?” said a parent.

Sister Pramila told Mumbai Mirror that parents will understand. “These are internal disciplinary issues. Parents are co-operating with us on this issue,” she said.

On being probed further, she said she will deal with the complaints from the parents.