Chennai - Recently, a legal case has been lodged against the head of a government school in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. The allegations state that the principal compelled an eight-year-old Dalit student to retrieve a stone from the toilet. Unfortunately, such cases of discrimination are not isolated. Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front came out with research that highlights a troubling reality of caste discrimination in schools across Tamil Nadu.

According to the report, approximately 30% of the schools included in the study exhibited different forms of bias against Dalit students. This discrimination manifested in various ways, such as assigning Dalit students the undesirable task of cleaning toilets and even segregating them by caste in queues during lunchtime.

The study also uncovered significant disparities in the participation of Dalit students in various school activities. Dalit students were found to have unequal opportunities for playtime, lab sessions, and involvement in art festivals. These discrepancies not only affected their academic experiences but also contributed to an environment where opportunities for personal growth and expression were unfairly distributed.

Disturbingly, caste clashes among students were reported in 25 schools across districts like Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Tenkasi, and Dindigul. This suggests the existence of tension and conflicts based on caste lines within the student community.

The study conducted by the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front revealed distressing practices in certain schools that perpetuate discrimination against Dalit students. In 15 of the surveyed schools, Dalit students were explicitly assigned the responsibility of cleaning toilets. This practice not only reinforces negative stereotypes about Dalits but also creates an environment that is demeaning and degrading for these students. Being singled out for such menial tasks based on their caste not only affects their self-esteem but also contributes to a culture of discrimination and inequality within these educational institutions.

Additionally, the report brought attention to another concerning aspect: in 33 schools, students openly displayed their caste identity by wearing wristbands or dollar chains. This overt expression of caste identity is problematic as it accentuates and highlights caste differences rather than fostering an atmosphere of unity and equality among students. Such practices can lead to the stigmatization of certain groups, promoting a divisive environment rather than one that encourages inclusivity and mutual respect.

The Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) took a proactive approach to address the issue of caste-based discrimination in schools. They trained a group of 250 volunteers to conduct a comprehensive investigation. These volunteers, armed with the necessary skills and knowledge, embarked on a survey mission that covered 441 schools across 36 districts in Tamil Nadu. The initiative kicked off in June of the current year.

The schools chosen for the survey represented a diverse mix, including 321 government schools, 58 government-aided schools, and 62 private schools. This broad scope allowed the study to encompass different types of educational institutions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of caste-based discrimination across the educational landscape of the state.

In the course of their investigation, the volunteers interviewed a total of 644 students. This sample size included students from different grade levels, with 152 students in classes 6 to 8, 219 students in classes 9 and 10, and 273 students in classes 11 and 12. This stratification enables a nuanced analysis of how caste-based discrimination may manifest at various stages of a student's educational journey.

After completing the survey on caste-based discrimination in schools, the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) took a significant step by submitting its findings to the Justice Chandru committee. This committee is actively engaged in preparing a report specifically aimed at addressing and resolving caste-related issues among students within educational institutions.

By presenting the survey results to the Justice Chandru committee, the TNUEF aims to bring attention to the pervasive problem of caste discrimination that exists in schools across Tamil Nadu. The hope is that this comprehensive data, showcasing the extent and nature of discriminatory practices, will serve as a valuable resource for the committee in crafting effective solutions.

The ultimate goal is to initiate positive changes in the educational system. By addressing caste-related issues, the committee can work towards creating a more inclusive and equal environment for all students. This may involve implementing policies, guidelines, and educational reforms that promote equality, discourage discriminatory practices, and foster an atmosphere of understanding and respect among students, regardless of their caste background.