Around 100 schoolgirls at a school in Dhanbad, India, were ordered to remove their uniform tops after their pen day celebrations, when friends write on their outfits
Parents were left furious when 100 schoolgirls were “humiliated” as their school ordered them to remove their shirts amid celebrations on their last day of term.
The Class 10 students were celebrating Pen Day, when their friends scrawl messages on each other’s tops. However, Principal M. Devashree allegedly claimed the behaviour would harm the school’s reputation as they had “dirtied” their uniforms.
As punishment – and to avoid the public seeing their shirts – the girls were told to remove them before they left the school grounds. Many are said to have been forced to de-clothe in front of male teachers and several left wearing only their blazers.
Dozens of parents filed complaints against the school in Dhanbad, India. A parent told The New Indian Express: “Scared by the principal’s behaviour, the girls complied on the campus. When some hesitated, they were coerced.
“While about 20 students had spare shirts, over 100 girls were sent home wearing only blazers. We were shocked to learn that our daughters were subjected to this humiliation.
“The management’s actions are indefensible. It was a form of mental assault.”
The girls had their phones confiscated to avoid the incident being recorded, it was reported. Many of the pupils have refused to return to the school as a result of the shock incident, ahead of an investigation. Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra has formed a committee to investigate the matter further.
She said: “Complaints have been lodged by guardians, and we have spoken to some of the affected students. The district administration is handling this matter with urgency. Based on the committee’s findings, appropriate action will be taken.”