Kuwait proposes new school dress code emphasizing modesty and neatness

Kuwait's Ministry of Education is moving to implement a comprehensive set of regulations governing the dress and appearance of students, teachers, administrators, and service employees in government schools. The proposed rules aim to foster a professional and modest environment within educational institutions.

Currently in a preliminary stage, the regulatory framework has been circulated among education sector employees to gather their input, observations, and suggestions before official implementation. The proposed guidelines cover attire, hairstyles, and accessories, seeking to standardize appearance across schools.

For teachers and administrative staff, the regulations require a professional and modest appearance. Male employees would be expected to wear either the traditional Kuwaiti national dress or a formal suit, while female employees must wear modest formal or semi-formal attire. Clothing must be clean, non-conspicuous, and prohibit sportswear, revealing items, or ripped garments. Tattoos would need to be covered, though physical education teachers would be exempt from sportswear restrictions during classes.

Service employees would be required to wear clean, appropriate uniforms and adhere to occupational safety standards. For students, the rules mandate wearing the approved school uniform without modifications. The uniform should be loose-fitting and not revealing or excessively decorated. Strict standards are also set for hairstyles, prohibiting unusual cuts, dyes, or highlights, and hair must be neat and not cover the eyes or neck. Closed shoes in non-conspicuous colors are required, and students would be prohibited from wearing chains, large rings, or other flashy accessories.

The proposed regulations also specify uniform lengths based on grade level, with elementary students' uniforms covering the knee when seated and middle and high school students' uniforms extending to mid-calf. A white cotton cap would be required for all grade levels. These rules would apply during official school hours and activities, though administrations could permit special attire for specific events. Violations could lead to warnings and disciplinary actions.