A private school in Kerala’s Malappuram district is facing flak after it introduced two different uniforms for students based on their academic skills.
According to the bizarre uniform code, academically sharp students will wear white shirts and tops while the second category of average and underperforming students will wear red check shirts and tops. The new system was introduced in the new academic session which began in June.
Though the parents initially opposed the move they were told by the Al Farooque English medium school in Pandikkad that the new uniform will trigger a healthy competition among students and it will help improve the performance of the second category.
“We were told the average students will yearn for white and work hard but we find it too discriminatory,” said the mother of a student.
Parents complained that the school overlooked the mental agony of the children who were discriminated. When their protests fell on deaf ears they approached the Childline (a body working under the state social welfare ministry to ensure rights of children) officials who found the system highly discriminatory.
“When we asked the school principal he came out with a weird explanation that it will create a healthy competition and help students. He was not bothered about the psychological problem it triggered,” said Childline district coordinator Anwar Karakadan.
The state education department has sought a report from the district education officer. When contacted a spokesman for the Al Farooque group said the school will discontinue the new uniform immediately and take action against the principal. At least 900 students are studying in the higher secondary school.
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