VietNamNet Bridge – Both university lecturers and students have complained about new clothing regulations, saying they are are “unsuitable” and “restrained”.

The HCM City Banking University has released a notice that male lecturers must wear white shirts, black trousers and black suits and women long traditional dresses (ao dai). There is no specific requirement about the color of ao dai; however, if women put a suit over ao dai, the suit must be black.

There are also regulations on wearing ties, name cards, shoes and the compulsory attire for important events, including school meetings.

Dr. Tran Mai Uoc, chief Secretariat of the school, said the regulation aims to improve the pedagogical environment. He revealed that the decision was made after hearing suggestions from the school’s graduates, who now work for big banks.

A female lecturer at the HCM City Banking University complained that she will have to buy new clothes because of the new regulation.

“I always go to school in polite and reasonable clothing, in trousers and shirts, sometimes in long dress and skirt. But it will be uncomfortable in Vietnamese conditions to always wear a long dress to school,” she commented.

“Why don’t the school’s leaders think that it would be better to allow lecturers and universities to choose clothes that fit themselves and suit the conditions?” she said.

A male lecturer at the school said 90 percent of the school’s lecturers have voiced their opposition against the new regulation.

“Why are a white shirt and black suit a must, if other colors will also suit the school environment?” he said.

The lecturer said the unreasonable regulation will make lecturers uncomfortable, and therefore, affect teaching quality.

One month ago, Cuu Long University in Vinh Long University also released a decision on prohibiting students to wear jeans, T-shirts and slippers to school. The female students of the school are required to wear ao dai, while male students must wear white shirts and trousers on Mondays and Fridays.

A student at the school noted that 80 percent of lecturers and students like jeans which are very comfortable in all conditions. Therefore, she thinks it will be of no use to prohibit students to wear jeans to school and the ban will be lifted sooner or later.

Students and lecturers at other schools also think the regulation is “odd” and “unfeasible”.

“Creativity is always highly appreciated in the schooling environment. The regulations are too rigid and unreasonable,” said Dang Giang Anh from the HCM City University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Chi Mai