Menstruating Dalit Student Forced To Sit Outside Classroom For Class 8 Exams In TN; School Faces Backlash

The Class 8 student was reportedly made to write her Science and Social Science exams outside the classroom on April 7 and April 9, respectively.

The act came to light after a video of the girl’s mother confronting school authorities went viral on social media.

Source : Pexels

A private school in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district has come under heavy criticism after allegedly discriminating against a 13-year-old girl for menstruating. The incident occurred at a private matriculation school in Senguttaipalayam village, where the Class 8 student was reportedly made to write her Science and Social Science exams outside the classroom on April 7 and April 9, respectively.

The school's act came to light after a video of the girl’s mother confronting school authorities went viral on social media. In the emotional footage, the mother is seen questioning the school's discriminatory treatment. The student reportedly attained her puberty on April 5 and she was made allegedly made to attend exams by sitting outside the classroom on April 7 (Science exam) and April 9 (Social Science exam), as reported by Times of India. 

The video has sparked public outrage, with activists, parents, and community members condemning the school’s actions as regressive and deeply harmful. Locals have announced plans to petition the Pollachi sub-collector, demanding accountability from the school administration, reported India Today.

The video which could not be independently verified by ABP Live showed the young girl taking her exam while seated on a steps. The school has alleged that this arrangement was made at the request of the girl's mother.

However, following the video, Tamil Nadu School Education Department has initiated a formal inquiry.

The officials have asked the school management to provide an explanation, while the School Education Minister reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of child mistreatment or discrimination.

TN Minister Reacts

Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said, "A departmental inquiry was conducted against the private school. The school principal has been suspended. Oppression of children in any form cannot be tolerated. Dear student, did not sit alone! We are here. We will be here."

தனியார் பள்ளி மீது துறை ரீதியான விசாரணை மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டது. பள்ளி முதல்வர் இடைநீக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்.

குழந்தைகள் மீதான ஒடுக்குமுறை எவ்வகையாயினும் பொறுத்துக்கொள்ள முடியாது. அன்பு மாணவி தனியாக அமரவில்லை! நாங்கள் இருக்கிறோம். இருப்போம்.

— Anbil Mahesh (@Anbil_Mahesh) April 10, 2025