The Peruvian government aims to establish disciplinary rules in schools, which include, among other things, a ban on makeup and dyed nails or hair. The measures were strongly criticized yesterday, Tuesday, by women’s groups and human rights organizations.
Conservative President Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former head of state Alberto Fujimori (1990–2000), presented a package of measures on Monday for public elementary and secondary schools. These include the reinstatement of conduct grades, the expulsion of students for serious misconduct, and a ban on cell phones, unless authorized by teachers.
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Education Minister José Chang also announced a ban on nail polish and emphasized that the skirts of school uniforms must be of an appropriate length.
“There are limits; there are rights, but also obligations (…). Boys must have short hair. Dyeing hair or wearing makeup is strictly prohibited,” said Keiko Fujimori during a visit to a school on the outskirts of the capital, Lima.
“Order must not only prevail on the streets; it must also return to our schools,” added Fujimori, who was elected in June on a promise to crack down on crime.
The Peruvian government also aims to combat sexual violence and harassment in schools.
However, according to women’s organizations such as the Manuela Ramos Movement and the Flora Tristan Center, restrictions on hair or makeup “do not prevent either sexual assaults or other forms of violence in schools.”
For its part, the National Coordinating Committee for Human Rights denounced the restrictions on students’ appearance, calling them “populist and authoritarian” measures.
The proposed package of measures will be put out for public consultation and, according to the Minister of Education, is expected to take effect by the end of the year.
Source: APE-MPE
