Mumbai: St Xavier’s College bans ripped jeans on campus, says it ‘mocks the poor’

After the circular was made public earlier this week, several students who were found wearing ripped jeans were stopped outside the college gate by security

St Xavier’s College in Dhobi Talao has issued a circular banning its students from wearing ripped jeans on campus.

Student forums were abuzz with debates on the newly-introduced dress code. (HT File Photo)

After the circular was made public earlier this week, several students who were found wearing ripped jeans were stopped outside the college gate by security.

Student forums were abuzz with debates on the newly-introduced dress code.

“We understand if the institute is against wearing shorts and skirts to college, but how can it have a problem with ripped jeans? The jeans are only torn at the knees,” a female student posted on a social networking website.

Many students from the college, as well as those from neighbouring colleges, called this a ‘draconian law’ and shared similar experiences of dress codes at their own institutes.

The college — run by an order of Catholic priests —already has a strict dress code, including a ban on sleeveless blouses and shirts, shorts and short skirts.

However, the management of the institute said adding ripped jeans to the list of banned apparel was necessary.

“The jeans are ripped all over. It is embarrassing to see children on campus in such tattered clothes. We have just put up the dress code on our circular board. Not a single student has objected to it,” said Agnelo Menezes, principal of the institute.

Menezes added that a dress code has been part of the institute’s rules and regulations since its inception. “In the name of fashion, students are mocking the clothes that the poor are forced to wear. As a Jesuit institution, we cannot allow it,” he added.

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