Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai (SHP)

Chennai, Aug 31: On Friday, over 50 schoolgirls from Chennai's Avvai Home Higher Secondary School were spotted carrying offensive placards that were sexist and extremely homophobic.

The schoolgirls in their school uniforms had placards had statements which read, 'Parents protect yourself & your children from Gays-Homos-Lesbians', 'Sexy dresses invites eve-teasing', 'Women's groups express support for bar girls. What a shame.'

Accoridng to a report in The News Minute, a 26-year-old woman who was on her morning walk was stunned at the sight. The woman disapproved of the regressive mindset displayed on the placards. The woman identified as Keerthana walked up to the girls who were accompanied by 6-7 school staff to question them. Keerthana stated to being horrified when the educators were supportive of the campaign. Meanwhile, the 50 girls who were carrying around the banners were unaware of the intensity of offense the banners were committing.

One of the staff members, R Mohan claimed that he has actively conducted the campaign for over 17 years. When the assistant headmaster was inquired on the same, she stated she was unaware that such a campaign existed. Unfortunately, rather than being appalled by the messages being propagated, she approved of the content.

One of the senior educators claimed that curbing the freedom of a girl was the only means to stop sexual harassment, as opposed to educating boys. Being a woman herself, the educator further went on to state that men are filled with lust and the women must keep themselves in check. R Mohan supporting the female educator called rape to be instigated by the woman. He called it a reaction by a man who gets aroused when he spots a girl dressed provocatively. He believed that girls should be advised what to wear, they should shun western culture and accept the Tamil culture.

The chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TNCPCR) claimed that although it was wrong to use young girls for an offensive parade such as this, no action against the offenders can be taken until they receive a formal complaint.