At a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, Deputy Dastan Bekeshev proposed to replace the traditional school uniform with a more comfortable style of clothing.
He emphasized the need to rethink the concept of dress code from a historical perspective.
“In the Middle Ages, the church set the tone for fashion, establishing norms of modesty and style of clothing. Later, schools for the poor began to open in England, where school uniforms appeared. Then elite educational institutions started to introduce their own versions of uniforms, and this gradually spread around the world. However, in many countries, students do not dress as we do – in suits, trousers, vests, and ties. Many schoolchildren are distressed because teachers scold them if they do not adhere to this standard. I have received complaints from students in Osh, Issyk-Kul, and Batken, who are expressing their discomfort with uniforms at any time of the year,” he said.
Bekeshev noted that this phenomenon is a remnant of the Soviet era.
“In China, children wear sportswear, and studies show that it is beneficial for health. I am not insisting that everyone come in sportswear, but at least in smart casual. Why can’t boys come in t-shirts and jeans, while girls are required to wear skirts?” the deputy expressed his dissatisfaction.
He called on the government to develop regulations allowing schools to determine their own style of uniform.
“I even suggest starting with the deputies. I understand that there are international protocols requiring suits and ties, but not everywhere in parliaments are such strict rules followed. Clothing should be comfortable. It is necessary to reconsider outdated requirements, especially for visitors, because why should a security guard check how a citizen is dressed?” Bekeshev concluded.
