JEDDAH: The principal of a school in Jeddah has warned girl students against wearing the new uniform, and asked them to continue with the old pattern, local media reported on Sunday.

The principal’s stand took the parents by surprise, as the Ministry of Education has introduced new uniform for girls from this academic year and directed schools to follow the rule.

The newly designed uniform includes a blouse and a skirt. It’s a sleeveless dress with a white blouse underneath. The school principal however reportedly told the girls to continue wearing the old one.

Najlaa Mohammad, the mother of a student studying in this school, was quoted as saying that the principal listed her daughter as a violator of the school uniform because she wore the new school uniform.

“The principal threatened my daughter and took a written pledge from her that she will wear the old uniform.” She wondered what will happen to the new school uniform, saying that this behavior might affect families with low income, especially if they had more than one daughter in this school.

Another parent said: “The Ministry of Education should be clear about its decisions, considering the stand of some school principals.”

Abdul Majed Al-Ghamdi of the Jeddah Education Department condemned the schools that are violating the new school uniform rule. He said the education directorate will ensure the directive is implemented. “A circular has already been sent to girls’ schools. The directorate will not accept individual decisions on this issue.”

The Ministry of Education delayed the implementation of the new school uniform until this year with a view to giving time to parents to get prepared, so that they do not find it a burden.

The new uniform was introduced following a survey, and the rule has been implemented in various parts of the Kingdom.