Universities or fashion police?

Reports that Government College University Lahore has decided to enforce a ‘dress code’ for its students have led to an important question: to what extent should universities be allowed to police students? This question is not just about clothing; it’s about the broader issue of how much control educational institutions should exert over their students’ lives, particularly in a society where authoritarian approaches often take precedence over open dialogue and personal freedom. Universities are meant to be bastions of free thought and expression, places where young adults can explore diverse perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. They should be environments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and individuality. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the people in charge of running these institutions often adopt a rigid, authoritarian stance when it comes to student matters, stifling the very freedoms that should be nurtured.

The decision by GC University Lahore to impose a dress code is just the latest example of this troubling trend. The arbitrary nature of the order – asking girls to ‘observe simplicity’ and banning boys from wearing jeans and T-shirts – has rightly raised eyebrows. What led the university to take this step remains unclear, but what is apparent is that many universities in Pakistan are becoming increasingly rigid, shunning diversity and refusing to adapt to the changing times. Supporters of dress codes might argue that they are necessary to maintain discipline or prepare students for the corporate world, where casual attire is often frowned upon. However, these arguments miss the mark. Young adults are heavily influenced by popular culture, and expressing themselves through their clothing is a natural part of their development. By enforcing outdated and arbitrary rules, universities risk stunting this development and fostering an environment of conformity rather than creativity.

Another argument could be that the corporate world that these students are preparing for will not entertain the casual attire students are comfortable with. A better way to deal with this is for universities to offer short courses that help students build their interpersonal skills, simultaneously giving students the agency to decide what to wear and when. The enforcement of such dress codes also raises serious concerns about student harassment, particularly for women. No one should have the authority to judge whether a female student’s attire is ‘simple’ enough. Such rules not only infringe on personal freedom but also create a culture of surveillance and control that is wholly inappropriate in an educational setting. Educational institutions have to move beyond the ‘rules’ they are obsessed with and become more welcoming. This is the only way to move forward and create a well-rounded workforce that can easily integrate into the global job market. The goal of higher education should be to foster critical thinking, independence, and the ability to engage with a diverse range of perspectives – qualities that are not developed through conformity, but through freedom.