“When approaching the issue of a uniform dress code in schools, the school environment must be taken into account first and foremost. The main task of the school is to ensure that children acquire knowledge, develop healthily, and receive education together in a safe environment. Therefore, the school’s activities should be organized not on the basis of personal preferences, but within the framework of legislation and established general rules.”
elchi reports that psychologist Elnur Rustamov said this in an interview with Milli.Az.
According to him, it is important to preserve the secular educational environment of the school and to comply with legal requirements.
The psychologist stated that the secular nature of education is enshrined in the legislation of Azerbaijan. The Law on Education lists equality, humanism, respect for human rights, and tolerance as fundamental principles alongside secularism. These principles must be considered together. General rules must be maintained in the school, and when applying these rules, the dignity and right to education of each child must be respected.
Elnur Rustamov noted that the requirements regarding clothing also have a specific legal basis. The descriptions of student uniforms were approved by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 96 dated March 17, 2022. Separate dress code requirements for teachers were established by Decree No. 325 dated October 6, 2026. Article 12.13-1 of the Law on General Education stipulates that both students and educators in state schools must comply with dress code requirements. The law also states the duty of parents to ensure that their children comply with the uniform requirements.
According to him, the main approach here is the consistent application of relevant rules to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. People of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and other faiths, as well as citizens with no religious beliefs, live in Azerbaijan. Religious affiliation should not be the criterion for how people are treated in school. Students must adhere to the school uniform requirements applicable to them, and teachers must adhere to the professional and dress code requirements applicable to them. The common educational environment must be protected based on mutual respect and clear rules for everyone.
The psychologist emphasized that adhering to the dress code at school should not be interpreted as renouncing one’s beliefs. School rules regulate a specific educational and operational environment. It is incorrect to extend them to a person’s entire life, their family’s beliefs, and their personal religious practices within the legal framework. The requirements for teachers cover not only their labor activities at school but also official and ceremonial events outside of school where they represent the school.
According to Elnur Rustamov, clear, pre-explained, and consistently applied rules from a psychological perspective can help a child understand what is expected of them at school. The child should be explained that adhering to certain requirements at school is part of joint education and mutual responsibility. When this explanation is given calmly and respectfully, the likelihood that the child will perceive the rule as an attitude towards themselves and their family may decrease:
“Tension can increase when adults present the issue in a confrontational language. If a child hears one position at home and another at school and is asked to choose sides, they may feel in a difficult situation. They may be concerned about upsetting their parents, damaging their relationship with their teacher, or the reaction of their classmates. The burden of a dispute that adults should resolve should not be placed on the child.”
The psychologist noted that the impact of religious and ideological discussions on children also depends on the content and manner in which they are conducted. Teaching a child to respect people who think differently can lead to completely different outcomes than conveying the message that “those who don’t think like us are enemies.”
In his opinion, an environment accompanied by pressure, intimidation, and humiliation can negatively affect a child’s emotional state and relationships. UNICEF also identifies threats, insults, humiliation, and intimidation among the forms of emotional violence against children. Such influences can be accompanied by aggressive reactions in some children, and by fear, withdrawal, and avoidance of school in others:
“Presenting religious belief or dress as an indicator of aggression is not a valid approach. To understand a specific child’s behavior, their family relationships, school experience, the pressure they face, and the support they receive must be evaluated together.”
The psychologist stated that teachers bear a special responsibility in this matter. According to him, teachers should set an example for students by both complying with legal regulations and resolving disagreements calmly and respectfully. Parents should also discuss their concerns with school administration and relevant authorities through legal appeals and dialogue:
“Putting a child in front of an objection, expecting them to defend the position of adults, can increase their psychological burden. Explanation, cooperation with parents, and the support of the school psychologist are of great importance when applying the rules. A child should not be humiliated in front of the class, stigmatized for their beliefs, or become the target of public debate. The main goal should be to ensure compliance with legal requirements while protecting the child’s education and attachment to school.”