Tamil Nadu Coimbatore 11 April 2025 : A shocking incident has come to light in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district, where a school allegedly humiliated a Class 8 Dalit student by forcing her to sit outside the classroom during exams because she was menstruating. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted authorities to take swift action.
The student, belonging to the Arunthathiyar community, was made to sit on a staircase outside her classroom while taking her annual examination on April 7 and 9 at Swamy Chidbhavananda Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Senguttaipalayam. A video of the student, recorded by her mother, went viral on social media, revealing the shocking treatment she received .
According to the student, her class teacher informed the principal about her menstruation, and they decided to make her sit outside the classroom. The mother questioned the school’s management, asking, “If someone gets their period, does that mean they cannot sit inside the classroom and write their exams? Should they sit on the road and write?”
Following the incident, the Coimbatore rural police initiated an inquiry, and the District Education Officer (DEO) sent a show-cause notice to the school management. The school’s principal, M Anandhi, has been placed on temporary suspension.
G Pavankumar, Coimbatore district Collector, assured that strict action would be taken once the investigation is complete and a report is submitted. The school claimed that the student’s mother had requested to allow her daughter to take the exam separately due to her first-time menstruation. However, the mother disputed this, stating that she had requested a desk indoors, not outside.
This incident highlights the deep-rooted issue of menstrual sequestering in Tamil Nadu, where women are still banished from their homes during menstruation due to perceptions of “impurity”. The incident has sparked a renewed debate on the need to address this social stigma and ensure dignity for menstruating women.
The incident highlights the government’s ignorance in addressing such issues. Despite numerous cases of menstrual taboo and stigma being reported, the government has failed to take concrete steps to address the issue. The government’s inaction has emboldened schools and communities to perpetuate such discriminatory practices
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the facts and take necessary action. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards menstrual health and hygiene, particularly in educational institutions.
The post Coimbatore School Scandal: Menstruating Dalit Student Forced to Sit Outside Classroom During Exams appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
