JEDDAH: Hundreds of students took to Twitter to debate efforts to put in place unified uniforms for female university students, using a special hashtag.

A large number of tweets advocated privacy and individualism when it comes to school clothing, so long as such choices are modest and appropriate, especially in light of gender segregation at universities.

“Any girl should have the right to wear what she wants to university because it is an all-girls environment, whereas clothing should be modest and appropriate in mixed areas,” tweeted one activist.

“Pay more attention to the basics, such as the faculty, the capacity for specialties, the buildings and wasta, and then look to surface issues,” tweeted another.

Others, however, tweeted in favor of the uniform, mainly arguing that the decision would create more equality between university students, and move focus away from clothing and fashion.

“I am with the decision! This will eliminate showing off and social status,” tweeted Majed Abdullah Al-Shamri.

Adds Nouh, “It is a great decision because what is happening right now is a fashion show, not education.”

“This will reduce massive expenditures on clothing, and create equality between rich and poor,” tweeted Jameel.

“I have read about girls complaining about the cost of clothing for university and the matter is becoming more about showing off styles and brands, have mercy on those who cannot afford this,” tweeted Aref Al-Murshadi.

In the opinion of Naser Al-Sahli, “If they increase university stipends to students of low income, it would be better than unifying uniforms so they are not embarrassed.”