Romanian Parliament Considers Mandatory School Uniforms

A draft law is moving through the Romanian Parliament that would make school uniforms compulsory in all pre‑university schools. The proposal aims to improve safety by making it easier to identify students and to curb bullying linked to socioeconomic differences. Schools would be required to adopt a uniform model approved by their administration, pupils’ council and parents’ committee. Funding for the clothing would come from local and county budgets and potentially from external non‑refundable sources, with provisions for free or subsidised uniforms. Non‑compliant schools could face fines ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 lei. The initiative has attracted criticism from the National Students’ Council, which argues that mandatory uniforms do not address core educational challenges. The bill enjoys broader parliamentary support, with major parties backing it, though some opposition remains.