The lane leading to St. Francis College for Women in Begumpet on Monday was choc-a-block with students protesting the dress code which specified that kurtis below knee length and with sleeves have to be worn.
Several students said security guards were posted at the college gate on Friday who checked the length of the kurtis, and disallowed entry to students who did not meet the length specification. They called off the protest on Monday afternoon after the college’s management revoked the rule.
Before this academic year started, the college asked students to sign an undertaking where it was stated that they will follow the dress code as prescribed and not wear short, sleeveless or cold shoulder tops.
‘Humiliating checks’
While a dress code was being implemented for the past one month, the issue reached tipping point when security guards checked length of students’ dress and restricted entry of those who violated the rule. The students said the process of checking their dress and treatment meted out for not adhering to the rule was humiliating.
Messages urging people to participate in the protest were circulated on social media platforms from Sunday evening. Hundreds of students boycotted classes and stood outside the college gate from 9 a.m. on Monday.
They held placards which read, ‘We are skipping our lessons to teach you one’, ‘My body my choice’, ‘Our voices speak, not our clothes’ etc. They demanded the rule to be rolled back. Police personnel including women constables rushed in to avoid any adverse situation.
Shamed by teacher
The protesting students alleged that a faculty member had shamed a student for wearing sleeveless dress. “The head of my department gave the example of actors who are paid to wear ‘such clothes’. That statement affected me. I have written down this incident verbatim in my book,” an enraged student said.
“There are other issues in the college which need to be resolved. Girl students contracted urinary tract infections due to unhygienic washrooms. Lack of parking space for students’ vehicles is another issue,” said another student.
In the afternoon, students were informed that the dress code was revoked and they erupted in joy.
‘Rule was to help students focus’
Shortly after revoking the dress code, the college management clarified that the sole purpose of the rule was to have uniformity, decorum and help students focus and enjoy the core purpose of their association with the college.
“It never was to curtail their freedom,” a member of the college management told The Hindu , denying reports that the dress code was to boost marriage proposals for the girls.
The management said a notice on ‘knee length kurtis’ was issued on August 1. “Almost 95% of the students followed the instructions, and a few who did not adhere were asked to do so. We received a positive response from parents too. Unhappy students continue to write badly about the college on all forms of social media,” the statement read.
The college management stated that as the number of protesters increased, they sensed a possibility of the situation going out of hand. It was mentioned that college principal, Sister (Sr) Sandra Horta had made an announcement that the dress code in the handbook, which was signed by the students, will be followed this academic year.
