CHENNAI: It’s known for being one of the most liberal colleges in the state, which is why the decision of the Madras Christian College management to impose a dress code — contrary to the studied indifference of so many decades — has kicked up a storm.

Students have been told to wear the college identity card with a tag around their necks, like software professionals or engineering students do. Some departments have asked male students to keep hair short, and all male students have been told to wear only formal clothes or only T-shirts with collars.

“The idea of a dress code is appalling. And to wear the student ID around my neck is humiliating. Why should we conform to the rules of the rest of the world. That has never been our identity,” said a second year student.

There are subtle hints to women to wear “appropriate clothing”, which means no sleeveless dresses or short tops. Demure salwars are preferred.

It’s hard to picture an MCC devoid of men with rocker-style long hair and ripped jeans, or women in tees and skirts. Many current and former students see the new regulations as the loss of freedom for students to make their choices and a compromise of college traditions.

Students have gone online to protest against these changes by starting pages like ‘Condemn the new rules of Madras Christian College’ on popular social networking site Facebook. The page has registered 500 likes in a day and several responses from current and former students.

R Sridhar, dean of student affairs, said people tend to exaggerate things online. “Many of the rules are the same as in earlier years. We respect the traditions of the college and are keen on retaining the liberal atmosphere ,” he said.

He said that students have been asked to wear their ID cards for security reasons. “The college has a 365-acre campus, and several gates. There is a strong possibility of outsiders entering the campus and disturbing the students. Last year, a professor was almost beaten up and minor thefts have been reported. We have identified a new security agency that will take over soon. We understand that it is a little annoying for the students, but it is a safety measure that should be taken,” he said.

ramya.m@timesgroup.com