SHILLONG, Feb 20: Notwithstanding dissent, the management of St. Anthony’s College has decided to go ahead with implementing the uniform policy for its students.
Principal of the college, Brother Albert Longley Dkhar, on Monday, issued a notice informing parents and students about the decision.
The notification read: “…after thorough discussions with the staff of St. Anthony’s College and considering feedback from all stakeholders, the Don Bosco Educational Society of INS Province, has instructed the College to implement the uniform policy for students of the college.”
Dkhar stated that the decision to introduce uniforms has been made with careful consideration with the aim of fostering a sense of unity, identity, and equity among the student community.
“We firmly believe that this initiative will enhance the overall atmosphere of the college and contribute positively to the academic and social environment. Uniforms promote a sense of belonging and equality among students, irrespective of their backgrounds or socio-economic status,” Dkhar said.
Addressing further concerns, the college principal said the college administration is taking proactive measures to make uniforms accessible to every student taking into account their financial circumstances.
“We trust that this decision is in the best interest of all stakeholders, including the students, faculty, and the college community as a whole,” the principal said.
It may be recalled that the NEHU Students’ Union had opposed the decision of the management of St. Anthony’s College to introduce uniforms for college students. It ha appealed to the students of the college to mobilise in large numbers at the principal’s office on Tuesday and voice their resistance against the “undemocratic, authoritarian imposition of uniforms that is detrimental to the democratic culture, critical space and self-expression of the student community.”
