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POLITICS > CHP leader criticizes new school dress code

BURSA - Anatolia News Agency

Calling to stand against the new dress code that abolishes monotype school uniform requirement, the main opposition CHP’s leader Kılıçdaroğlu says the current dress code was realized to make all kids feel equal and to disguise economic differences. ‘We must fight against it [new code],’ he also says

Banning little girls from wearing sleeveless clothes can be only regarded as an [act of] perversion, Kılıçdaroğlu says of a new dress codes for students. DHA photo

Banning little girls from wearing sleeveless clothes can be only regarded as an [act of] perversion, Kılıçdaroğlu says of a new dress codes for students. DHA photo

A new public school dress code that allows for casual clothing to be worn in schools under specific requirements has come under criticism by main opposition Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP) chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

The nation’s educational system began to fail with the introduction of the new 4+4+4 system, CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu told a group of factory workers in the northwestern province of Bursa while answering questions regarding the abolishment of uniforms in schools.

Social inequality and psychological disorders


“Imagine a child who wears clothes from good brands and those who cannot afford to [do the same]. Who will be responsible for these children’s psychological disorders? Do you think children could be manipulated as a tool for politics? This is not right; we must stand against it,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.

“Banning little girls from wearing sleeveless clothes can only be regarded as an [act of] perversion. We are gradually losing the Republican values. The reason for a monotype uniform is to make all children feel equal and to disguise economic differences,” he said.

Abolishment to be effective in next year

As of Nov. 28 the Turkish Ministry of Education abolished the nationwide monotype uniform requirement in schools. The amendments to the dress codes were published in the Official Gazette Nov. 27.
Under the new regulations, students will be allowed to wear casual clothing that meets specific requirements at schools. Transparent, too-tight or sleeveless clothing is forbidden under the new code, as well as any clothes or accessories bearing emblematic political symbols, shapes or writing.
Prime Minister Recep

Tayyip Erdoğan defended the move, saying education in uniform has drawn complaints for many years.

November/30/2012

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READER COMMENTS

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Turk Uzan

12/1/2012 8:52:08 AM

Kilicdaroglu is 100% right for once, these new regulations make me sick to my stomach .. there must be something we can do to prevent this

Roger Harding

11/30/2012 4:56:03 PM

Gülen/Erbakan/Erdogan AKP is invloved in stealth mode Islamic revolution against the secular Republic of Turkey. Make no mistake. School uniforms are just another battle in that very cunning war raged by Gülen/Erbakan/Erdogan AKP. There is every reason to be absolutely alarmed. Very survival and sustainability of Republic of Turkey is at stake.

mara mcglothin

11/30/2012 4:28:28 PM

DOGAN Asking the children? Really? So should we aske them what they want to eat, what they want to watch on television? etc. I do believe that the overwhelming majority would choose to stay home from school when given the chance. While there is plenty of economical clothing to be had do you think that the poor child will want a t-shirt or a Ralph Lauren t-shirt? Sneakers? or Nike sneakers? Uniforms are a great idea for everyone.

Misses Ataturk

11/30/2012 2:15:42 PM

@ dogan kemail ileri - Casual clothing is very cheap? Excuse me? Maybe for richer families like you. Not so much for the lower working class people like us. My husband is on less than 900 lira a month. You take off petrol, gas, electric, food and all the other things that we need and there's not much left. And what about rent money at 500TL a month?? Get real. Having a school uniform is much more cheaper option for families.

american american

11/30/2012 1:03:34 PM

you know dogan, school can be very drab, too. why not just give the kids the option not to go?

Faruk Beisser

11/30/2012 10:31:27 AM

The whole thing is just a move to let Gülen/Erbakan AKP clothing companies rip off more money from the public. They have already announced that this order of the Great Leader will give them at least a 20% raise in income. And the Great Leader again referres to the wish of the public, but what public (the clothing manufacturers) he does not state.

Red Tail

11/30/2012 6:37:39 AM

It says "Transparent, too-tight or sleeveless clothing is forbidden under the new code,". Now I am confused. AKP has always talked about FREEDOM to wear what you want. But now they do now allow kids to wear sleeveless t-shirts? Why? We do get wibes from moral policing a la Iran here, dont we? Personally I think the CHP motives about equality make sense.

dogan kemal ileri

11/30/2012 5:43:53 AM

Casual clothing is both very cheap and plentiful in Turkiye and offers vast scope for expression of individuality and fashion.Why not ask the children as to which option they prefer? And don't be surprised if they overwhelmingly choose casual clothes over drab uniforms.Kilicdaroglu still doesn't have his finger on the nation's pulse.
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