Not Afghanistan, but Düzce: Gender-segregated practices at a high school! Sexist rules spark backlash: Female students banned from front seats!

Turgut Özal Anatolian High School in Düzce has announced an 18-point list of rules that students must follow for the 2023-2024 academic year. However, the rules have become a subject of debate, particularly due to regulations concerning relationships between male and female students. The rules include provisions that specifically restrict the freedom of female students.

FEMALE STUDENTS BANNED FROM FRONT SEATS!

The rules prepared by the school explicitly state that female students must not sit in the front seats of school shuttle buses. Even if there are no seats available in the back, female students will not be permitted to sit in the front.

MANDATORY "APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR"

Another point in the rules concerns the requirement for male and female students to maintain "appropriate" behavior in their relationships. The statement, which says "behaviors that could lead to misunderstandings must be avoided," notes that excuses such as "he is my cousin, my best friend, or my friend of eight years" will not be accepted as valid reasons for violating these rules.

LEGGINGS BAN

The rules also impose restrictions on physical education classes. Students are prohibited from wearing leggings during PE lessons.

"MALE-FEMALE" QUEUES IN THE CANTEEN

The school rules also introduce certain regulations regarding canteen queues. It is stated that students must pay attention to separate queues for boys and girls in the canteen. Furthermore, it is emphasized that joking and friendships should move beyond "middle school levels." Students who do not comply with the rules are warned by duty teachers and the school administration.