Polish Education Minister Barbara Nowacka plans to introduce social norms and safety rules for student appearance in schools.
Nowacka on Introducing Norms in Schools
Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka spoke on Radio Zet about student dress codes, assuring that existing uniforms will remain. She emphasized that educational institutions need rules concerning social norms or safety, stating “Today this is not the case. There is a jungle and free for all.”
Nowacka believes it’s necessary to establish rules that aren’t currently defined, specifically “clothing that respects social norms.”
Round Earrings – No, Colorful Hair – Yes
When asked about “social norms,” Nowacka explained that baggy men’s pants can exceed social boundaries. For girls, she highlighted concerns about earrings, noting large ones may not be safe during physical education classes.
The minister clarified that teachers currently lack legal authority to require students to remove earrings, but her ministry aims to provide them with legal tools to enforce safety standards. She assured there will be no hair restrictions, stating students have the right to any hair color and that shaving heads due to teacher preferences is inappropriate.
MEN Act on Student Clothing
Nowacka announced preparation of a bill “on the rights and obligations of the student” to regulate what she called “a constant element of dispute.” The project, which has consulted teachers and NGOs, awaits consideration by the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers.
“Students can do everything, and teachers introduce their own assumptions. Let’s finally organize this,” the education minister emphasized.
Students Begin Winter Break
Polish winter holidays this year are divided into three terms with different schedules. The first term began Monday, January 19, and continues through February 1.
Students from Masovian, Pomeranian, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie and Warmian-Masurian voivodeships began their break first. Those from Lower Silesian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, West Pomeranian, Lesser Poland and Opole voivodeships follow. Students from Subcarpathian, Lublin, Greater Poland, Lubusz and Silesian voivodeships will begin their holidays last.