Forcing children to believe in religion is prohibited.
This was discussed today at the meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Family, Women, and Children. Discussions about the existence of a uniform dress code and conduct in schools have also taken place before.
Modern.az has always kept this issue in focus and published a very interesting article on it. That article touched upon uniform dress codes and forms of conduct in secondary schools.
We all know that school should not be regarded merely as a place for imparting knowledge. There is no one who does not know this. School is a place where individuals are nurtured. It is a place where personality is formed, values are instilled, and the future is built. Therefore, everything in school must be systematic, measured, and responsible. A person's future begins at school.
Therefore, a uniform dress code and a uniform form of conduct are not considered accidental concepts. This is the visible face of discipline, equality, and upbringing. Standards were not created in vain. They are a need that has emerged from society's long years of experience.
Previously, schools had deputy directors for education and upbringing. They did not only look at the class schedule. They paid attention to the student's behavior, attire, and manner of speech. There were class teachers, and this title was not merely formal. The class teacher was almost the elder of the class.
There were concepts known as decorum and etiquette. Everyone adhered to these. The student knew, the parent knew, and the teacher knew. These rules were not meant to restrict anyone, but to protect everyone.
Now you see a student coming to school with a beard. We dismiss it by saying, 'It's his own business.' Another boy comes wearing an earring, and we approach it as if nothing has happened. Another boy comes almost dressed in girl's clothing, and we turn a blind eye, saying, 'It's freedom.' But we don't ask, what will happen next?
By God, this is not freedom. This is irresponsibility, indifference to the future.
Sometimes you look at our girls. Some come to class in very short outfits. Revealing clothing becomes part of the school environment. We dismiss it by saying, 'She is not our daughter.' But every girl studying at school is our daughter.
On the other hand, some girls come with religious-ideological attire. There are students who come to school wearing hijabs, niqabs, and chadors. Again, we say 'alright' and keep silent. But we do not consider that school should be a secular space, not an ideological one. School should prepare children for society, not for groups. School should serve the state and the interests of the people, not some hidden forces.
Oh, school principals, where are you looking? Those children do not belong only to their parents. They are all our children. They are the future of Azerbaijan. We must treat every child as our own. There is no difference between a boy wearing an earring and a girl wearing a hijab or niqab that propagates religious ideology.
We must take a stand against instances that violate the uniform dress code and conduct. Silence is an evasion of responsibility. Turning a blind eye is to magnify the danger. Indeed, it is so, truly it is so.
Dear parents, a great responsibility falls upon you. One cannot send a child to school and completely shift the responsibility onto the school. A child not raised at home does not perform miracles at school. Pay special attention to your children's attire and behavior. Parents must stand on the same front as the school.
In this matter, we must also be vigilant against foreign influences. Excessive revealing attire and religious ideological pressure are not the right path for children. Our children should grow up for the Homeland, not for ideology.
Let us all protect our dear children. Let us keep them away from both revealing clothing and ideological clothing pressure. Because our future rests on their shoulders. By protecting them, we are actually protecting our own future. Guiding them correctly means protecting the future of Azerbaijan.
There must be a uniform dress code and conduct in schools. Believe me, this is not a prohibition, but care; not a restriction, but responsibility. And this responsibility belongs to all of us.
Because if we do not know our limits regarding uniform dress and conduct today, tomorrow we will not be able to regulate our actions. If we do not prevent these issues today, tomorrow will be too late.
It is time for responsibility.
Elnur ƏMİROV
