dalit-student-sits-outside-for-exam-while-menstruating

A private school in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district has come under sharp criticism after a 13-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly made to take her school examination while seated outside the classroom because she had begun menstruating.

 

The incident occurred at a higher secondary school in Senguttaipalayam village, where the girl, a student of Class VIII and a member of the Arunthathiyar community, was seen writing her exam on a staircase. A video, reportedly recorded by her mother, was widely shared on social media on Wednesday, drawing public outrage.

 

In the video, the girl is seen sitting on the stairs with exam papers, away from her classmates. Her mother can be heard asking, “If someone gets their period, does that mean they cannot sit inside the classroom and write their exams? Should they sit on the road and write?”

 

Following the incident, the headmistress of the school was placed under suspension by the management, pending an inquiry. Senior officials from the school education department confirmed the disciplinary action and launched an investigation into the matter.

 

According to a preliminary inquiry conducted by education and police officials, the girl had started menstruating on April 5. Her science exam was scheduled for April 7, followed by a social science paper on April 9. Both exams were reportedly taken while she sat on the staircase.

 

Authorities stated that the girl’s mother had initially requested a separate arrangement, as this was the girl's first experience with menstruation.

 

A senior police officer noted, “The mother was aware that a separate arrangement would be made. However, when she saw her daughter writing the exam without even a proper desk or seating arrangement, she was deeply hurt.”

 

The officer added that while the school insists the arrangement was made based on the mother’s request, the lack of basic facilities and dignity in the setting was concerning. A show-cause notice has also been issued as part of the ongoing inquiry.

 

The incident has raised serious questions about menstrual stigma and the treatment of girls in educational institutions, particularly those from marginalised communities.

 

Activists and local leaders have demanded accountability and better awareness among school staff to handle such situations with sensitivity and respect.