School dress code: African braids for some, grey jackets - for others

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“Wearing jeans at school is like being a white crow", - says Sayrhei Maskevich, Minister of Education, replying to an eighth-former. The boy asked the official if he could wear a jacket, a white short and jeans at school.

We have tried to study different schools' dress codes and the way their headmasters understand "the business style".

“They should wear classic suits. The colours should be dark, blue and grey. Blue or red are not welcomed", - explained the administration of Mink school #180 to Euroradio.

Teachers also have their dress code. A teacher of history from school #44 was forced to unplait her African braids because "she was setting a bad example".

Hrodna city grammar school is the most democratic school found by Euroradio. Neither African braids or long-haired boys are considered to be "a problem" here. They just need to look modest:

“The business style is quite democratic. Most boys go to school in suits. I allow jackets and jeans too. The girls wear skirts but they can wear jeans and trousers in winter when it is too cold. I do not think that African braids are a mess. We had such children here. It is a way of expressing yourself".

The pupils of Minsk grammar school #161 are not allowed to wear jeans. But they will not be returned home if they violate the rule.

They will not be made to leave the classroom, but the teacher will phone their parents and talk to them.

It turns out that the business style is a different thing for everyone. Schools decide what pupils can wear. And what they can't.

Photo by: kanekalon.com.ua