JEDDAH, 29 November 2004 — The dean of Home Economics College for Girls refused permission to students to enter the college Saturday morning because they were not dressed according to the dress code. Some students stood for hours at the college doors being checked by the female guards and were not permitted to go in even though some were pregnant.

Parents said that they have no problem with the regulations but they do object to the way they are enforced. That some of the students had mid-term exams and missed out on them — which will affect their grades — merely exacerbates the situation.

“The regulations are so unreasonable, it is difficult to conform to all of them,” complained Fatima who said that she was not allowed in because she wore a denim skirt. The college requires that the girls should wear a white top with black or navy blue skirt, but should not wear clothes made of denim, crepe, or velvet and should wear only solid colors. The blouses should have buttons and not have low necklines and the skirts should have no slits.

The dean, Dr. Nadia Al-Amoudi, said that she had informed the students of the regulations since the beginning of the school year, posted them inside and outside the college walls, and warned them that they would be implemented at the start of this semester.

“This was not a surprise or sudden policy,” she told Okaz newspaper. “I told the students about the policy last week. I do not understand all this complaints. We’re only applying the policy. However we do make exceptions with pregnant students,” she said.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, director of girls’ colleges in Jeddah, told Okaz that no administration has the right to prevent a student from school for non-compliance with the dress code and that there are procedures to be followed.

The penal measures are in four stages: First the student signs a paper promising not to repeat her offense and to inform her guardian. The second level is to deduct SR50 from her monthly award, the third to deduct SR100. If she is persistent, she is finally sent to a disciplinary committee which applies a punishment that could range from preventing the student from attending lectures up to expelling the student for a semester or more.

Although these regulations apply to all students, not all colleges are strict about enforcing them. “In the university, we are asked to wear modest clothes but they do not specify the colors or the fabric,” said student Nahla Ibrahim to Arab News.

“I know that at the college they are very strict and they check what the girls are wearing every day. Even if a few girls wear inappropriate clothes that does not justify punishing everyone by forcing them to conform to specific things. That is ridiculous and does not take into consideration some of the girls’ financial situation and that they are limited in their options,” said Huda, another student..