Doon School drops co-ed idea after alumni red flag | India News

DEHRADUN: A memo meant for trustees at The Doon School has stirred up a hornet’s nest, prompting the varsity administration to make clear that there was no choice in any respect on the commemorated boys-only institute turning co-ed.
A message despatched by headmaster Dr Jagpreet Singh on March 17 to members of the Indian Public Schools’ Society – the varsity’s governing physique – included a four-page doc outlining the logic for exploring a co-ed mannequin.
However, alumni expressed their concern over a shift to a co-ed system and its doubtless impression on the cultural DNA of the institute based in 1935. To allay the concerns, the varsity administration issued a be aware saying that “no decision has been taken regarding the school becoming co-ed”.

What was meant to be an inner dialogue a few potential shift to co-education, shortly snowballed right into a public controversy, prompting college authorities to make clear that the message despatched by headmaster Jagpreet Singh on March 17 to the varsity’s governing physique was not a declaration, however an invite to deliberate, rethink, and reimagine what the way forward for the varsity may appear like.
Accompanying the headmaster’s memo was a four-page doc, outlining the rationale for exploring a co-ed mannequin. Citing analysis that challenged the tutorial advantages of same-sex schooling, the memo acknowledged a altering academic panorama and known as for suggestions to assist navigate a potential transition.
“Over the years, many schools have made the transition to co-education,” the doc famous. “Researchers claim that there is no significance of same-sex education on academic performance.”
However, even earlier than a dialogue may take form, the memo had moved past its supposed viewers. Alumni, a lot of whom see The Doon School as not simply as a spot, however as part of private identification, responded with unease. Sensing this disquiet, the varsity administration issued a follow-up communication on April 7 from Anoop Singh Bishnoi, chairman of the board of governors, to IPSS members, most of whom are alumni.
“The document and communication in question were intended solely as a discussion note, shared internally with members of IPSS,” Bishnoi wrote. “The purpose was simply to initiate preliminary thought, invite inputs for discussion and dialogue among the members.” Offering reassurance, he added: “I want to personally assure you that no decision has been taken regarding the school becoming co-ed. Further, having received your valuable feedback, we will not be taking any decisions in this regard unless it finds favour with most of you.”
While the idea of admitting women has surfaced in conversations across the college for years, there has by no means been a public plan or timeline – solely murmurs and conjectures.
The doc additionally raised questions: construct infrastructure to accommodate feminine college students, how to make sure their security and wellness, and fund these modifications.