In Dayanand Sagar College of Art, Science, and Commerce located in Bangalore, Karnataka, a new mandate requires students pursuing BCA, B.Com, BBA, and BSc to adhere to a strict dress code of wearing formal attire every day. This rule has sparked concern among the student body and is viewed as an infringement on our freedom of expression—a core aspect of personal identity.

College is a place where individuals are meant to explore, learn, and express themselves freely. The current rule restricts this formative experience by enforcing a uniformity that is not conducive to fostering creativity and diversity. Unlike professional settings where dress codes might be obligatory, college should be a milieu for personal expression and learning, both of which are stifled by the imposition of mandatory formal wear.

Furthermore, formal clothing is often expensive and involves maintenance costs that not all students can afford. This blanket rule does not take into account the financial burdens it imposes on many families. For a student body as diverse and socioeconomically varied as ours, such costs may add unnecessary strain.

Consistently, students worldwide have expressed that clothing significantly affects comfort and, consequently, their ability to focus and perform academically. Several studies support that when students are comfortable, they are more engaged, which directly enhances their learning experience.

Our petition seeks to request the administration to reconsider and abolish the rule of compulsory formal attire, allowing students the right to dress according to personal comfort and preference, with appropriate guidelines for decorum, rather than enforcing a rigid dress code.

Join us in advocating for an educational environment that respects student autonomy and prioritizes learning over appearances. Your support can help us reclaim our freedom to dress comfortably and expressively. Sign this petition to call for change today!