End of compulsory school uniforms: the education ombudsman spoke out against the pressure on pupils
The educational system of Ukraine is facing new challenges, and the issue of freedom of choice and respect for students’ rights is becoming more and more urgent. In the conditions of war, when children are forced to adapt to difficult learning conditions, schools, instead of support, often apply additional pressure in the form of requirements for appearance. Compulsion to wear school uniforms, especially in the form of strict rules regarding the colors or style of clothing, raises serious concerns among parents and the public.
Educational ombudsman Serhiy Gorbachev stated about his categorical position on the practice of forcing students to wear school uniforms. He emphasized that such demands are unacceptable and contradict the law. In his statement, Gorbachev emphasized that a significant number of parents complain about pressure from the school administration and teachers, who demand compliance with clear requirements for students’ clothing, for example, “white top, black bottom.”
Moreover, the situation is complicated by the fact that in some educational institutions a kind of “raids” are conducted to check the appearance of students. In case of violation of these unspoken rules, the child may not be allowed to attend classes or may even be suspended from the educational process. The educational ombudsman emphasized that such actions are a form of bullying by the administration and teachers. They not only undermine the emotional state of children, but also deprive them of their legal right to education, which has already become difficult to access in the war.
At the same time, the Education Ombudsman Service reminds that clothes for school are the choice of the child and his parents. The only things worth paying attention to are neatness, seasonality and convenience, especially in view of the need to stay in shelters during alarms.
Gorbachev emphasized that no school statute or uniform regulation can have a higher legal force than the current legislation. The law does not require the wearing of a school uniform, and therefore the requirements written in the charters of individual schools are illegal. The Ombudsman also stated that the documents regulating the mandatory form are illegal and have no legal force.
In view of this, Serhiy Gorbachev called on educators to stop any actions related to the control of students’ clothing, because such checks are not only illegal, but also create additional risks for the health and safety of children. Sending a child home because of a mismatch in appearance can put them at risk during an air alert, when being outside can be deadly.
