MEB’s Reintroduction of Uniforms Sparks Debate

Ever since Yusuf Tekin first started serving as the Minister of Education of Türkiye (MEB) in June 2023, he has made headlines multiple times. His regulations have sparked many controversies, presenting him as an unreliable figure in the eyes of many. His most recent decision is another example.

Minister Tekin visited the 15 July Martyrs Primary School to participate in the end-of-year celebrations and interact with students. He later made some statements at the “Annual Evaluation Press Conference,” which was organized at the same school. Tekin announced that starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, uniforms will once again become mandatory at schools.

Until 2012, school uniforms were mandatory across all public schools in Türkiye, but the MEB later terminated the system to promote individualism and reduce pressure on families. However, the policy change led to mixed reactions, and some schools unlawfully reimplemented uniforms over time. Now, more than a decade later, Tekin’s push to officially reintroduce them is seen as a step backward, sparking many debates. Some are questioning whether teachers will also have to wear uniforms, especially amid frequent complaints from families who find their kids’ teachers unprofessional due to their appearance. Others are discussing whether all schools will use the same uniform or be allowed to design their own.

Supporters of the decision argue that uniforms will help restore a sense of order and equality among students and staff, reducing distractions caused by differing clothing styles. Going back to the discussion on teachers, these people also emphasize that if students are required to dress a certain way, it is only fair that teachers follow a similar standard, at least to a reasonable extent.

On the other hand, some citizens claim that the policy reflects a larger push toward increased state control over individual expression in educational environments. They argue that bringing back school uniforms may overlook the importance of self-expression and comfort, especially in a country where public education already faces numerous systemic issues and oppression. There is only so much a uniform regulation can achieve if the quality of education is not questioned and improved. A uniform can set a tone, but tone without substance, which includes teacher training, curriculum reform, or student support, is ultimately just noise.

Furthermore, uniforms are already mandatory in many schools in Türkiye, but each school has a different one and a different supplier they work with. This lack of organization is the main reason behind differing uniform prices among schools. These uniforms are known for their high prices and low quality. However, parents are required to purchase these uniforms regardless of their economic status since this is the only way for their kids to attend school. Therefore, the new rule is internally contradictory: will it be able to eliminate economic disparities among students, or will it worsen the situation with the financial strain it puts on many families?

Türkiye’s return to a more traditional stance reflects broader cultural tensions between conservatism and modernism. As the Ministry of Education prepares for the policy's implementation in the 2025–2026 academic year, public attention remains on how these changes will be enforced and whether they will improve the quality and unity of education or simply act as a superficial action that stirs division rather than solving existing problems.

Edited by: Melisa Altıntaş