TN: Class 8 Student Compelled to Take Exam Outside Due to Menstrual Cycle, Inquiry Initiated
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Synopsis
A Class 8 student in Coimbatore was forced to take her exam outside the classroom due to menstruation, leading to widespread outrage and an inquiry. The incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of students during their menstrual cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Student's rights ignored during menstruation.
- Parents requested special accommodations.
- Inquiry launched by education authorities.
- Principal suspended under Right to Education Act.
- Public outrage over treatment of young girls.
Chennai, April 10 (NationPress) An alarming event at a private matriculation institution in Coimbatore district has ignited public anger after a Class 8 student was compelled to take her annual exam while seated outside the classroom, allegedly due to her menstrual cycle.
The incident took place at a school located in Senguttaipalayam near Pollachi.
A video, filmed by the girl’s mother, depicting the student taking her exam on the steps outside the classroom, went viral on social media, leading to the initiation of an inquiry by authorities.
As reported, the student had two exams scheduled during that week. Her parents had requested a designated desk inside the classroom to facilitate her comfort during her menstrual cycle.
In spite of this, on Monday, the girl was made to sit on the floor outside the classroom to complete her exam.
Upon her return to school on Wednesday for another exam, her parents discovered she was once again seated outside.
In the video recorded by her mother, the student mentioned that the school principal had ordered her to sit there.
A. Palanisamy, the Director of Matriculation Schools, confirmed that the Chief Educational Officer is overseeing an inquiry into the situation.
“An explanation has been requested from the school management, and suitable action will be taken after the report is reviewed,” he stated.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Shristi Singh, who conducted a preliminary inquiry on Thursday, elaborated on the timeline of events.
She noted that the girl’s mother had reached out to the class teacher on the evening of April 6 to ask for special seating arrangements, but was advised to speak to the principal instead.
On April 7, the mother met the principal while dropping off her daughter and reiterated her request for a separate arrangement to avoid the risk of infection.
After the mother departed, the student was instructed to sit outside the classroom. That evening, the girl complained of leg pain from sitting on the hard surface.
She missed school the next day but returned on Wednesday, only to experience the same treatment.
A relative who noticed her outside informed the family, prompting the mother to rush to the school and capture the now-viral video.
While no formal police complaint has been filed yet, officials have assured a thorough investigation once it is received.
In the meantime, the school’s correspondent has suspended the principal under Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which prohibits any form of physical or mental harassment of children.
