According to Bekeshev, "our school uniform is nice, but uncomfortable." Children often do not have the opportunity to choose what they wear. He suggested reflecting on the origins of the dress code, mentioning that it was originally introduced by the church and then by schools for the poor in England, after which it spread worldwide. However, in most countries, students are forced to wear strict clothing: trousers, jackets, vests, and ties. "In cold and hot weather, children suffer, and there are many complaints coming from the regions," he added.
The deputy emphasized that he does not advocate for a complete abolition of uniforms, but suggests softening the requirements. "Why not allow students to come in t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans? Why must girls wear skirts? This is an outdated legacy from the Soviet era. In China, for example, children wear sportswear, which is beneficial for health. I am not insisting on sports uniforms, but smart casual would be a good compromise," he said.
Bekeshev called on the Ministry of Education and the government to give schools the opportunity to independently review their clothing requirements or adopt relevant regulations.
He also noted that Parliament should start with itself, as international protocols do not require strict suits for everyone. "Not all parliaments have people in jackets and ties. This is not always convenient. Let's get rid of outdated requirements, especially for visitors. Why should security check how citizens are dressed? This never used to happen. We need to focus on knowledge, not appearance," the deputy concluded.
