Kerala School Prescribes Uniform on ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ Behaviour

The principal of the school says that such a distinction would compel ‘non-performers’ to fare better in school.

When you were in school, your teacher may have scribbled a star on your notebook when you did well. But according to a school principal in Kerala’s Malappuram, that isn’t enough. Students have to be reminded every minute if they are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ performers. What better way than to have two sets of uniforms!

‘Good performers’ at the Al Farooque English school in Pandikkad in Malappuram wear a white uniform, while the ‘not-so good or bad performers’ need to wear a red checked shirt.

The story, reported by Mohammed Naufal of Mathrubhumi TV, says that the students in this CBSE school are graded by teachers.

The principal of the school told the TV channel that such a distinction would compel the ‘non-performers’ to fare better in school. “We want them to compete with each other. And this we thought was a good way,” he said.

The students, however, don’t see it as distinction, but as clear discrimination. One student pointed out that even tailors who stitch their uniforms ask them if they are good or bad students.

A student wearing a white uniform pointed out correctly that uniforms cannot be discriminatory and everyone should be allowed to wear the same pattern.

Anwar Karakadan, a Childline India coordinator told the channel that such discrimination affects children deeply. “If a lay person points out to a child that he was not a good student, it is enough to ruin his day,” the parent said.

According to reports, the school had started the discriminatory practice in spite of opposition from many parents and went ahead with that even though Childline was against it.

The chairman of the school has now promised to remove the principal with immediate effect.

(This article was originally published in The News Minute, and has been republished with permission.)

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