Romanian students protest mandatory school uniforms

Romanian students are organizing a nationwide symbolic protest on September 28 by wearing black clothing to school. The action, led by the National Student Council (CNE), opposes a legislative project to introduce mandatory school uniforms.

The CNE argues that the measure does not address fundamental educational issues such as bullying or social inequality, stating, “Inequality does not disappear under a vest, bullying does not stop if we wear the same shirt.” Students also claim they were not consulted during the legislative process, despite the project having already passed the Senate.

Political reactions are divided. UDMR President Kelemen Hunor has called on deputies to reject the bill, suggesting that decisions regarding uniforms should be left to individual school communities rather than being mandated nationally. Conversely, MEP Rareș Bogdan supports the measure, arguing that school should not be a “fashion parade” and that uniforms could reduce visible socioeconomic differences among students.