#ChulassicPark: students protest prehistoric uniform regulations

Students at an elite Thai university are campaigning against outdated uniform regulations, arguing they stifle creativity and intellect. The university threatens those who fail to comply with disqualification from receiving a scholarship.

 

On 8 February 2017, a group of students from Chulalongkorn University’s Engineering Faculty released a declaration calling on the faculty to abolish regulations requiring students to wear school uniforms both inside and outside of the classroom. The students are also collecting signatures for a petition opposing the uniform regulations.

 

The faculty also threatened its student that if they do not comply with the new regulations, they might be disqualified from receiving a scholarship and honour degree.   

 

The campaign has generated significant online support, giving birth to the hashtag #ChulassicPark. A video in which the Engineering Faculty’s ‘prehistoric’ workshop smocks are edited into a scene from Jurassic Park has received almost 100,000 views.

 

 

Student uproar was peaked on 7 February when four Chulalongkorn students were reprimanded harshly for wearing ‘improper’ clothing. The first two students were punished for wearing their workshop smocks outside of the classroom, while the other two students were not wearing their uniforms in the faculty area. Though it was not class hours, the students had their student cards confiscated.

 

The statement released by the Chulalongkorn students recognises that school uniforms aim to preserve the faculty’s culture. The students argue, however, that university culture should not be prescribed but should allow for student input.   

 

The petition maintains that universities seeking to promote creative thinking and cultures of intellect should be open to difference and respect freedom of choice.

‘[Students] are not livestock that must all act the same. This is a university aiming to be world class, where freedom of thought and creativity should be more important than the superficial look of a uniform,’ commented well-known student activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal.

 

Students argued there is no necessary reason for the Engineering Faculty to demand students wear uniforms during times where classes are not being held. The statements also states university students are mature enough to dress themselves.