Kolkata college withdraws dress code after outcry

Institute had asked girls to wear trousers and knee-length skirts, and said no ear rings for boys

Authorities at the Scottish Church College in Kolkata yesterday revoked a new dress code compelling girls to wear knee-length skirts — without slits — and trousers.

Boys were barred from wearing round neck T-shirts, earrings or any studs on their ears, chin or nose.

A notice had been put up on the college’s notice board on Monday saying that, in order to maintain propriety and a proper atmosphere at the college campus, the dress code would have to be followed by the students.

“Clothing worn to the college should reflect the seriousness and importance of the learning environment.

‘Circulated every year’

“Therefore, students’ attire is expected to be based on modesty, neatness and safety on the campus. The college recommends that students come to college in simple and unostentatious dress suitable for an academic environment,” said the notice put up by college authorities which was withdrawn following protests.

Bishop Ashok Biswas, who is a member of the college council, said he was surprised by the protest as the code was implemented every year with consent from the students’ body.

“This notice on dress code is circulated every year to inform the students that the college wants them to come in simple and unostentatious clothes suitable to an academic environment, taking into account the country’s rich culture,” Biswas said.

Students said they were prepared to launch a protest had the college not rectified the code.

“No one should dictate terms to anyone over what he or she chooses to wear. but somehow in India the mind set is still medieval. If someone chooses to wear a fashionable outfit it doesn’t mean he or she is less serious,” said Poulami Das, a student.