A quiet rule change has turned into a loud debate in Ahmedabad. A reputed private school’s decision to ban leggings worn under skirts and tunics has sparked protests from parents, students, and social activists who call the rule “unnecessary, outdated, and gender-biased.” What began as a simple dress code circular has now become a discussion on discipline, dignity, and the definition of decency in modern schools.
Earlier this month, St. Mary’s Convent School issued a notice instructing girl students from Classes 6 to 12 to stop wearing leggings under their school skirts, stating that the attire was “not part of the official uniform.” The circular mentioned that the rule was meant to “ensure uniformity and maintain decorum.” However, within days, parents’ groups flooded social media with criticism, arguing that the policy targets girls unfairly and overlooks comfort and cultural practicality.
“My daughter wears leggings because she cycles to school every day,” said Rupal Shah, a parent from Satellite area. “Ahmedabad’s weather is unpredictable — mornings are cold, afternoons are hot, and leggings give flexibility and comfort. Why make girls uncomfortable in the name of discipline?”
Soon after, students themselves began voicing dissent. In group messages and online forums, several teenagers shared how the ban made them feel self-conscious. “We are told to focus on studies, but the school seems more worried about our legs,” said a 15-year-old student who requested anonymity. “It’s embarrassing. We just want to feel comfortable in our uniforms.”
The controversy gained momentum when pictures of the circular were shared online, triggering discussions about gender norms in Indian schools. Local activists from the Gujarat Parents’ Association and Women for Change Collective held a small protest outside the school gate, holding placards that read “Comfort Is Not Indiscipline” and “Uniformity Should Not Mean Inequality.”
The school management defended its position, saying the rule was not meant to target girls, but to preserve a consistent look across the student body. “The school has a set uniform — white shirt, navy skirt, socks, and shoes,” said Principal Sister Bernadette in a brief statement. “Some students began wearing colored leggings and patterned tights, which broke uniformity. We simply asked everyone to follow the dress code. There was no intention to restrict comfort.”
However, parents argue that the rule should have been enforced through color or design guidelines rather than a blanket ban. “Instead of banning leggings, the school could specify black or navy tights as official uniform items,” said parent representative Meera Patel. “Girls should not have to choose between comfort and compliance.”
The debate has split opinion across the city. Some parents support the school’s move, calling it a necessary step to maintain decorum. “Uniforms exist for a reason,” said father Sanjay Desai, whose daughter studies in Class 8. “Schools can’t please everyone. If one exception is allowed, discipline erodes.”
Education experts, however, say the issue runs deeper. “Schools must recognize that uniform rules are social signals,” explained Dr. Anjali Menon, an education sociologist from Gujarat University. “When such rules disproportionately affect one gender, they reinforce stereotypes. Uniforms should evolve with time, climate, and context.”
Several teachers privately admitted that the issue could have been handled more sensitively. “We were not consulted before the rule was announced,” said one teacher. “Students were scolded publicly for wearing leggings. It created unnecessary embarrassment. A meeting with parents first could have avoided all this.”
The protest has also reignited a larger conversation about how schools define ‘modesty.’ Critics point out that girls often face stricter dress codes than boys. “You rarely see a rule telling boys how loose or long their shorts must be,” said activist Naina Bhatt. “This constant policing of girls’ clothes sends a wrong message — that their appearance is a problem to be managed.”
Psychologists warn that such restrictions can affect students’ confidence. “Teenage years are already sensitive,” said child counselor Dr. Ritesh Arora. “When authority focuses on how students dress rather than how they think, it can create shame and anxiety. Schools should teach self-respect, not impose it through fear.”
The state’s Education Department has taken note of the uproar. Officials said they will seek a report from the school and assess whether the rule violates guidelines on student rights. “Schools have autonomy in framing dress codes,” said a senior official, “but they must balance discipline with comfort and inclusivity.”
Interestingly, several schools in Ahmedabad have already modified their uniforms in recent years to include pants or culottes for girls, citing practicality and equality. “We changed our uniform in 2023,” said Principal Jyoti Sinha of another local school. “Girls can choose between trousers or skirts. It reduced complaints and improved confidence. Comfort improves learning — it’s that simple.”
Social media users have also joined the discussion, with hashtags like #LetGirlsBreathe and #ComfortNotControl trending among parents and youth groups. Many commenters shared experiences from their own school days, describing how strict dress codes often created unnecessary pressure rather than pride.
Despite the criticism, St. Mary’s management maintains that its decision will not be revoked immediately but is open to “revisiting the policy after parent consultation.” A meeting between the school, PTA representatives, and education officials is expected next week.
For students, the debate has been both confusing and empowering. “We didn’t plan a protest,” said one Class 10 student. “We just wanted to be heard. We love our school — we just want it to trust us more.”
The episode reflects a broader shift in India’s education culture. As schools modernize curricula and embrace digital tools, social expectations about gender, comfort, and expression are also changing. “Dress codes must grow with minds,” said Dr. Menon. “Today’s learners question rules — and that’s healthy.”
In the end, this isn’t only a story about leggings. It’s about how schools listen to students and adapt to changing times. Whether the rule stays or goes, Ahmedabad’s debate is sparking conversations nationwide about how comfort, respect, and discipline can coexist in classrooms.
As one parent wrote on a feedback forum after the protest, “We’re not asking for fashion — just fairness.” And in that simple sentence lies the challenge facing every school that hopes to educate both the mind and the spirit of its students.
