MOSCOW, October 21 (RIA Novosti) — The administration of the Russian National Medical Research University (RNMRU) has established a new dress code; religious clothing will therefore be strictly banned on the premises of the educational facility.
In a written directive issued on October 15, Andrei Kamkin, the university’s rector, pointed out that RNMRU is one of the leading institutions of higher education in Russia, and therefore its students and faculty have to maintain certain standards of conduct, which dictate that they dress in a way that befits doctors and medical students.
Henceforth, the students and faculty members must wear white coats and caps during classes. The students are also to wear gym clothes during PE lessons.
The male students are expected to wear trousers, jerseys, shirts, ties and jackets; the university has also mandated that they keep their hair well-trimmed. Female students are prohibited from wearing short skirts and revealing dresses, as well as gaudy make-up and jewelry. The wearing of religious clothes and traditional ethnic costumes of any kind, as well as clothes that could offend the political and religious feelings of others is also strictly prohibited.
Students who violate these rules face expulsion, while potential offenders among the faculty may be fired.
A faculty member speaking on condition of anonymity told RIA Novosti that they previously had problems with Muslim students praying on the university grounds — in corridors and under the stairs — and disrupting the academic process. She also pointed out that the university administration is following a worldwide trend.
The order comes into effect on November 1, 2014.
