Uphold students’ voices against mandatory college uniforms at St. Anthony’s
Editor,
The students’ body at St. Anthony’s College has found itself united in protest against a new rule proposed by the institution – the mandatory implementation of uniform for all students. This unexpected move has stirred a wave of discontent among the students, who believe that such a policy infringes upon their rights and creates undue financial and logistical burdens.
Financial Strain
One of the primary concerns voiced by the students is the substantial financial burden imposed by the mandatory uniform policy. With costs exceeding 5000 INR for a set that is only required for a single academic year, many students find themselves struggling to allocate funds for an item they did not anticipate when enrolling. This raises questions about transparency and fairness in the college’s decision-making process. The fact that 3rd semester students who only have a year left in college, need to buy a minimum of 2 sets of uniforms and spend a minimum of 5-8k, is very illogical and not carefully thought of.
Impact on admissions
Anticipating a significant drop in admissions, students argue that the imposition of mandatory uniforms will discourage potential candidates from choosing St. Anthony’s College. The fear is that this rule might deter future students, leading to a potential 50% reduction in admissions. Such a decline would not only affect the diversity of the student body but also the overall academic environment.
Financial Disparities
The call for uniformity fails to account for the diverse financial backgrounds of the student body. Not all students can afford the prescribed attire, and this policy risks creating a socio-economic divide among the students. The essence of education is to be inclusive, and the imposition of a mandatory uniform undermines this principle. Many students have taken admission in the institute with no prior knowledge of the change. Hence, it met their needs but with this new change, many students who are unable to afford to buy uniforms find themselves in a very difficult situation because at the time of admission, they did so in accordance with their needs. This adds a new financial burden to them and as many have expressed, the scholarship they receive hardly pays for their education— adding a uniform to this just puts the students in a helpless situation.
Logistical Challenges for Morning Shift Students
Morning shift students, in particular face practical challenges in adhering to the uniform policy. The early morning timings make it difficult for them to maintain impeccably clean uniforms, affecting their overall well-being and comfort during the academic day.
Restrictions on Student Engagement
St. Anthony’s College boasts of a student body actively involved in extracurricular activities, part-time work, and community engagements. Forcing students into a uniform impedes their flexibility to participate in various activities outside the college premises. It hinders their ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse aspects of society.
Unforeseen Impact on Part-Time Workers
A significant portion of the student population at St. Anthony’s College engages in part-time work to support themselves and their families. The imposition of uniforms poses an additional challenge for these students, who juggle work and academics. This policy undermines their commitment to both education and employment, potentially jeopardizing their ability to meet financial obligations.
Lack of Prior
Information
Perhaps the most glaring issue is the lack of prior information regarding the uniform policy. Students argue that they enrolled in St. Anthony’s College without any agreement or acknowledgment of such a rule. This lack of transparency raises questions about the college’s commitment to open communication and collaborative decision-making. Of course, there was a poll initiated at the beginning of the year, but the students were unaware of the results, which we are sure from the response today— a majority are against the implementation. This said “unanimous” decision was not a decision made with the students, who form the vital part of the institution.
In conclusion, the students of St. Anthony’s College stand united in their protest against the mandatory uniform policy. They seek not only the reconsideration of this rule but also a broader conversation on inclusive decision-making that respects the diverse needs and circumstances of the student body. Education should empower, not constrain, and it is in this spirit that the students of St. Anthony’s College voice their concerns.
Yours etc.,
Students of St Anthony’s College,
Names withheld on request
Uniform for college students?
Editor,
I am writing on the matter of uniforms in college. Once a student graduates or passes out of higher secondary school there is a sense of adulthood and freedom one gets from moving on from a typical skirt or trouser uniform into civil clothing. It gives young minds that freedom of expression that one so craves for in their youth. For years many young minds have been excited about the transition from a child to a young adult and hoping to be recognized as such. However, implementing school uniforms does the opposite of that.
St. Anthony’s College has now implemented a college uniform for the present students, non-NEP students included; that is, 3rd and 5th semester students. With only 1 year or 6 months of education left, for the non-NEP students, is it fair to take away that small sense of freedom a young adult gets?
Being able to say, “I am a college student,” is being able to dress the part. Including school uniforms or “college uniforms” takes away our creativity. Not only that, but allowing students to wear what they want is the best option for colleges because it allows students to express themselves the way they want and it saves money that parents have to spend for college education.
I understand implementing the uniform rule on NEP students as they have 4 years left for their education in the prestigious college, but to tell students, with only 1 year or 6 months left for their education to be completed, to spend money in unnecessary blazer and trousers for such a short period of time is patently unfair. Instead of forcing the youth to dress like school children, the College can look into the water supply in the toilets or just make sure the lights work in the individual stalls.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Address traffic congestion: Implement odd-even rule
Editor,
I wish to draw attention to the escalating issue of traffic congestion in the Shillong area and propose a potential solution that could alleviate this problem. As residents, we experience daily frustrations due to the growing number of vehicles on our roads, leading to prolonged traffic jams and increased commute times.
I suggest that the government considers implementing an odd-even rule for all vehicles within the Shillong areas. This rule, which has been successfully adopted in other cities, involves restricting vehicles based on the last digit of their registration numbers. On odd-numbered days, vehicles with registration numbers ending in an odd digit would be allowed to operate, and vice versa for even-numbered days.
This strategy would be applicable to a wide range of vehicles, including government vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, with exceptions for essential services such as ambulances and public buses. By diversifying the days certain vehicles are allowed on the roads, we can distribute the traffic more evenly throughout the week.
Implementing such a measure could lead to a significant reduction in traffic congestion, thereby decreasing travel times, lowering fuel consumption, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for Shillong residents. Additionally, this approach encourages the use of public transportation, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment.
I urge the authorities to consider this proposal seriously and explore the potential benefits it could bring to our community. By taking proactive measures, we can collectively work towards a smoother and more efficient transportation system in Shillong.
Yours etc.,
Aebha Dkhar
Via email