12Punto obtains WhatsApp message in high school graduation ceremony scandal: 'Show your outfit before wearing it'

Caner Taşpınar

A graduation ceremony was organized by the school administration for students in the garden of Alaettin Kurt Anatolian High School, located in the Kirazpınar neighborhood of Kocaeli's Gebze district. 

In fact, the students wanted to collect money among themselves to hold the graduation ball at a venue outside the school. However, this was not permitted due to a circular issued by the Ministry of National Education about 10 days ago. Two weeks before the summer break, the Ministry had issued a circular regarding graduation day events to be held in schools. According to the circular, graduation events must not be contrary to national, moral, ethical, and cultural values. Extravagance will not be permitted at the ceremonies. Parental consent will be obtained for the events. Celebrations will be organized in accordance with the students' developmental levels and pedagogical criteria.

All schools implemented the circular. There were no problems in schools across Gebze where graduation ceremonies were held. However, at Alaettin Kurt Anatolian High School, the school principal, students, and parents came into conflict. 

Before the ceremony, a 'Parental Consent Form' was sent to parents by the 'Graduation Commission' established by the school. The form included the following warnings for students: "They cannot wear torn or holey clothing or transparent clothing. They cannot wear shorts, leggings, or other clothing that reveals body contours, nor can they wear above-the-knee skirts, short pants, sleeveless shirts, or t-shirts. They cannot use scarves, beanies, hats, bags, or similar materials containing symbols, shapes, or text that include political symbols." Parents signed this form.

GENDARMERIE ARRIVED AT THE SCHOOL GATE

Some female students who arrived at the school for the graduation ceremony were not admitted to the ceremony on the grounds that they were wearing clothing contrary to the regulations. While the doors were closed to the students, some parents and students reacted to the school administration. An argument broke out between the parents and the school administration. School Principal Ahmet Korkmaz also came to the school gate and requested that the students not be allowed inside. Following the tension, a gendarmerie team was dispatched to the school upon notification.

Students and parents shared videos on social media to announce what had happened. One parent said, "Unfortunately, the students are not being let in because they are dressed openly," while another parent stated, "My children can use their equality rights to the fullest. But if this were an İmam Hatip School, of course, they could not enter in this way if the dress code was about headscarves or being uncovered. But in a normal school, in a Science High School, in an Anatolian High School, children can wear what they want as long as it is not too exaggerated. How right is it to keep them waiting like this while these children's parents are with them?" One student, showing the outfit she was wearing, said, "They didn't let me in because of this dress."

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: TWO EDUCATION INSPECTORS APPOINTED

The Kocaeli Governor's Office has appointed two inspectors regarding the graduation ceremony controversy. In a statement released by the Governor's Office, it was stated: "Two Education Inspectors have been appointed by our Governor's Office to conduct the necessary investigations regarding the allegations and news reports appearing in some social media accounts and the press, which allegedly took place at a graduation ceremony at a school in our Gebze district. The matter is being investigated in all its aspects."

'SHOW YOUR OUTFIT BEFORE WEARING IT'

Bülent Metin, President of the Education and Science Workers' Union (Eğitim-İş) Kocaeli Branch No. 2, explained the details of the graduation ceremony controversy to 12Punto. 

President Bülent Metin said, "Students were asked to show the outfits they would wear to the graduation ceremony in advance. It was stated that students whose outfits were approved would be included in the program. The administration said, 'Show your outfit before wearing it.' On the day of the ceremony, the school administration conducted its own dress code inspection and did not allow students into the school, leaving both students and parents at the door."   

Emphasizing that this practice does not befit the secular Republic of Turkey, Bülent Metin added, "Such practices do not serve the social peace of the country. A new one has been added to the meaningless debates and practices that have been carried out over women's clothing for years." 

'TEACHERS SHOULD SUPPORT THE ADMINISTRATION'

A written statement was also issued by the Alaettin Kurt Anatolian High School administration. The statement claimed that individuals who were not students or parents were posting on social media, making accusations that students were not being allowed into the school. The school administration claimed that the graduation ceremony took place "without any problems" and that no incident occurred. This, despite the students waiting at the door in their dresses... 

However... 

While the school administration claimed in an official statement that no incident occurred during the graduation ceremony, they issued a call for support for the administration in the school's WhatsApp group chat. 

In the WhatsApp message obtained by 12Punto, teachers were urged: "Last night, some students and parents tried to force our hand, attempting to push us into a 'we can do whatever we want' situation. Isn't it time for the entire teaching staff to show that we stand with our school administrators? I believe all colleagues who are members of unions should take a stand against the psychological and sociological violence being applied." 

Here is the WhatsApp message from the Alaettin Kurt Anatolian High School administration:

"Hello everyone,

Since last night, our school administrators have been subjected to a lynching attempt in the local and national press. I don't know if any of you think there was a wrong practice. Our school administrators provided the necessary information from the very beginning regarding the conditions and format of the graduation. Teachers, parents, and students all knew the rules, and an agreement was made with them. Both parties committed to this verbally and in writing. Last night, some students and parents tried to force our hand, attempting to push us into a 'we can do whatever we want' situation. Isn't it time for the entire teaching staff to show that we stand with our school administrators? I believe all colleagues who are members of unions should take a stand against the psychological and sociological violence being applied. I called the leaders of the union I belong to, and they are coming to our school. They have expressed their support."

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LEFT 12PUNTO'S QUESTIONS UNANSWERED

12Punto attempted to reach School Principal Ahmet Korkmaz to ask questions regarding the matter, but Principal Korkmaz stated that it was not possible for him to provide information due to the ongoing investigation process.

News Source: 12punto