Dozens of students were barred from classes at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan. The reasons cited were the absence of required attire and tardiness to lectures.
On February 16, a group of students at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan were not allowed to attend classes due to lack of uniform and lateness. A video from the scene was published on Facebook by master's student Akmal Yuldoshev.
According to student Bahodirkhon Eliboyev, around 100 undergraduate and graduate students were denied entry to classes.
"No one asked me if I had prepared for the classes, attended lectures, or read the literature. They only ask: where is your tie, if not—leave, this is an internal rule, it is above everything," said Akmal Yuldoshev.
He also expressed a negative attitude towards the requirement of mandatory uniforms in higher education.
"My appearance does not define my knowledge, nor does it show whether I am a good journalist. The university provides me with educational services; we have a contract: I paid for tuition, they should deliver lectures, I should participate in seminars, my knowledge should be assessed, and in the end, I should receive a diploma. Now, due to internal rules, my rights as a consumer and as a student are being violated. I came for knowledge, not to display a tie," he stated.
According to him, such situations could lead to additional financial burdens for students.
In response, the university's dean, Oisha Zakirova, commented on the situation on her Facebook page.
"Monday marks the start of a new academic week. However, unfortunately, some students and master's students showed disregard for the university's internal rules. The university is not just an educational institution. It is an intellectual environment, a school of upbringing, and a place for forming professional personalities. Internal rules are established not for discussion but for execution and are mandatory for everyone. This serves to shape the organization's image. A white shirt and tie are symbols of academic culture, cleanliness, discipline, and respect. What is wrong with that?" wrote the dean.
She emphasized that as dean, she is personally responsible for the university's image, academic environment, and order.
According to her, there can be no concessions regarding compliance with internal rules. At the same time, she stated that the students shown in the video were barred from classes not only due to lack of uniform but also because of lateness.
The editorial staff of Kun.uz has sent an inquiry about the situation to the university's rector, Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja.
Source: kun.uz