MEB circular does not introduce a new ban on skirts and t-shirts for teachers: Rules have been in effect since 2002

A claim shared on social media on September 4, 2026, alleged that the latest circular from the Ministry of National Education (MEB) introduced a ban on "leggings, skirts, miniskirts, t-shirts, and jeans" for female teachers.

The claim, which received over 1 million views, emerged following the MEB's circular regarding the 2026-2027 academic year.

The claim circulating on social media does not reflect the truth. The circular in question does not establish a new dress code ban for teachers; it reminds education administrators, teachers, and education staff that they must act in accordance with existing dress code regulations.

CLOTHING ITEMS ARE NOT LISTED INDIVIDUALLY IN THE CIRCULAR

Article 23 of the MEB's circular dated August 19, 2026, titled "Work and Procedures Regarding the 2026-2027 Academic Year," requests that education staff observe the dignity of the teaching profession, the responsibility of representation, and the quality of being a role model for students. The article also states that one must act in accordance with the gravity of the profession and the seriousness of public service in terms of dress, that teachers must wear lab coats, and that the implementation should be monitored by provincial directorates of national education.

However, this article does not list items such as leggings, t-shirts, jeans, or miniskirts individually. The circular directly refers to the provisions of the "Regulation on the Dress Code of Personnel Working in Public Institutions and Organizations."

The regulation in question came into effect in 1982. The section regarding female personnel was amended in 2002, establishing that stretch pants, jeans, and similar trousers cannot be worn; that skirt lengths cannot be above the knee; and that skirts with slits cannot be worn. Therefore, these restrictions were not introduced for the first time by the circular published in 2026.

WHAT DOES THE SKIRT AND T-SHIRT CLAIM MEAN?

There is no general "skirt ban" in the legislation. What is banned is for skirts to be above the knee or to have slits. For this reason, it is not accurate to say that skirts below the knee and without slits are completely banned. Similarly, the word "t-shirt" does not appear in the regulation as a general ban; the text states that sleeveless and very low-cut shirts, blouses, or dresses cannot be worn.

The main change that stands out in the 2026 circular is the teacher lab coat practice. The MEB had requested that teachers be encouraged to choose to wear lab coats for the 2023-2024 academic year. In circular number 2026/70, the phrasing was changed to "they shall wear lab coats."

In a letter sent to the provinces on September 4, 2026, the Ministry reiterated this provision and announced the "Teacher Lab Coat Standards Guide." With the guide, the model, fabric, measurements, and technical specifications of the lab coats to be used by female, male, and preschool teachers were standardized.

The circular does not impose a new clothing ban; while reminding that the existing regulation must be followed, it makes the use of lab coats, for which standards have been set for teachers, a practice to be monitored.

News Source: 12punto