Thu Apr 10 13:24:16 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu School Headmistress Suspended After Dalit Girl Forced to Take Exam Outside Classroom During Menstruation**
COIMBATORE, Tamil Nadu – A Class 8 Dalit student in Coimbatore was forced to take her exams outside her classroom because she was menstruating, sparking outrage and swift action from authorities. A video showing the girl sitting on the classroom steps while writing her exam went viral, leading to the suspension of the headmistress of Swamy Chidbhavananda Matric Higher Secondary School in Senguttaipalayam.
The 1.22-minute video, though unverified by NDTV, shows the girl visibly upset and confirming to her mother that the principal instructed her to sit outside. The girl stated this wasn’t the first time she’d been made to take an exam in isolation due to menstruation, which began on April 5th.
While the school claims the girl’s mother requested her daughter be seated separately, the mother denies this, stating she only wanted her daughter to have a separate seat, not to be excluded entirely.
The incident prompted an immediate inquiry by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department, which has sought an explanation from the school management. The Director of Private School Education, Dr. M Palanisami, is conducting the investigation, with promises of strict action if wrongdoing is found.
Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh, emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for child oppression and announced the headmistress’s suspension. DMK spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah called the incident an unfortunate exception in a state committed to abolishing regressive practices and empowering women. The minister’s swift response underscores the state government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
First Piper 