Loreto College Kolkata apologizes for "English-Only" admission policy

Loreto College in Kolkata, West Bengal has faced severe criticism for implementing a policy that denied admission to students from Bengali medium schools. The college had stated that only students from English medium schools would be considered for admission due to the college's instruction being exclusively in English.

The announcement triggered public outrage, with many labeling it discriminatory. In response to the backlash, Loreto College issued an apology, acknowledging that the admission policy did not align with the institution's values. The college also revoked the discriminatory policy immediately.

The University of Calcutta, which grants affiliation to Loreto College, sought an explanation from the college's principal following the controversy. In response, the college tendered an unconditional apology and retracted the admission notification.

Loreto College principal Sister Christine Coutinho told reporters, “We have issued a fresh notice and we don’t have anything more to say on the issue”.

Admissions to undergraduate courses in colleges across West Bengal started on July 1. Loreto College, established in 1912, holds an 'A grade' accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council