I'm going to be 'that' parent - re school policy omitting 'sex' in favour of gender

elfycat · 2022-04-23T20:46:37+00:00

I should have looked at the policy before now (have checked multiple policies in the local area) but the Secondary school DD1 attends has listed gender on the list of protected characteristics and not sex. So I guess I have to contact them. I've found a copy of the DoE departmental guidance for schools ( listing sex correctly ) to quote. But this is the first letter of this kind I have written. For anyone who has previously brought this kind of error to the attention of policy makers, what advice can you give me on what to include. I was thinking of addressing it along the lines of - I was looking shit up on your website I noted that your shit wasn't right Here's the DoE guidance on your shit I would expect this error will be dealt with swiftly, 'coz it's an Act... like a law, right? Could you please let me know the timetable you have for governors looking at policy shit, so I can keep my beady eye on ya. Does that look about right for the paragraphs? (now going to relook at other policies in local services)

GAHgamel · 29/04/2022 01:17

Well done @elfycat

FemaleAndLearning · 28/04/2022 23:33

Fantastic result.

Original poster

elfycat · 27/04/2022 12:31

SorryAuntLydia · 25/04/2022 23:55

Indeed.

and some well-meaning, polite but poorly worded policies that really are intended to mean single sex will be used to justify the presence of men and boys in places designated for women and girls only.

this is why we must raise it every time we see it

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DH has previously said that he would 100% object if our DDs were put into mixed changing rooms or accommodation on a school trip. I pointed out that if the school policy says gender then they wouldn't be breaking their rules and he'd have a tougher battle to fight. Now the wording is 'sex' he'd have somewhere to attach any complaint or concern to.

I've just checked the school policy online and it has already been changed to sex. Full marks to the school for that.

OP posts:

SallyLockheart · 26/04/2022 13:08

MrsDanversBroom · 25/04/2022 22:29

Well done @elfycat

ditto

SorryAuntLydia · 25/04/2022 23:55

334bu · 25/04/2022 23:45

It should also be pointed out that some organisations may deliberately use gender so that they can justify providing mixed sex facilities. If something has been organised for people of the same gender, eg sleeping accommodation, this will not necessarily mean single sex , as a member of the opposite sex could say that they identify as that gender.
There is another thread on the board about NCS which highlights this problem.

Indeed.

and some well-meaning, polite but poorly worded policies that really are intended to mean single sex will be used to justify the presence of men and boys in places designated for women and girls only.

this is why we must raise it every time we see it

334bu · 25/04/2022 23:45

It should also be pointed out that some organisations may deliberately use gender so that they can justify providing mixed sex facilities. If something has been organised for people of the same gender, eg sleeping accommodation, this will not necessarily mean single sex , as a member of the opposite sex could say that they identify as that gender.
There is another thread on the board about NCS which highlights this problem.

HeArInGhandsgirl11 · 25/04/2022 23:38

SorryAuntLydia · 25/04/2022 23:36

@HeArInGhandsgirl11 the equality act uses the word sex as the protected characteristic plus there is a separate protected characteristic of gender reassignment. When an individual or organisation uses the word gender to mean sex, (often because it’s seen as more polite) it confuses which legal category is being discussed/referred to. Accuracy in legal documents including forms, records and policy documents is important for organisations to ensure they are following the law of the land, especially if they are public bodies who need to demonstrate due diligence in their equality duty.

Ah okay thank you, makes sense. I will probably notice this now!

SorryAuntLydia · 25/04/2022 23:36

@HeArInGhandsgirl11 the equality act uses the word sex as the protected characteristic plus there is a separate protected characteristic of gender reassignment. When an individual or organisation uses the word gender to mean sex, (often because it’s seen as more polite) it confuses which legal category is being discussed/referred to. Accuracy in legal documents including forms, records and policy documents is important for organisations to ensure they are following the law of the land, especially if they are public bodies who need to demonstrate due diligence in their equality duty.

HeArInGhandsgirl11 · 25/04/2022 23:24

This might make me sound stupid .. so please be nice. Can someone explain this to me and why sex has to be used and not gender? I've seen it a few times in MN now

IStandWithMaya · 25/04/2022 23:15

I've just looked up the policy statements of some local schools. Conflating gender with sex is common.

Sadly, I'm aware that staff at these schools must have spent a huge amount of time composing and redrafting these policies.

Tragically, the result is often verbose piffle.

MrsDanversBroom · 25/04/2022 22:29

Well done @elfycat

Leafstamp · 25/04/2022 22:13

Being ‘that’ parent? Welcome to the club! And a fine club it is too.

Have you seen this campaign? sex-matters.org/take-action/send-guidance-to-school/

SamphirethePogoingStickerist · 25/04/2022 18:43

DreamsDoComeTrue1974 · 25/04/2022 18:40

Gender is a PC - Gender reassignment.

No. You can't use two different terms for the same thing, especially when you use one to replace another PC.

The PC is Gender Reassignment.
Sex is a PC.

Not Gender
Not Gender Identity

The law was carefully written by some people who knew how to word laws. It isn't up to anyone else to reinterpret them according to something they feel. The specific words used are core to the EA2010.

DreamsDoComeTrue1974 · 25/04/2022 18:40

Gender is a PC - Gender reassignment.

Original poster

elfycat · 25/04/2022 18:26

I've been using 'other' if a form says gender for a few months now.

Just found another local High school doesn't seem to have an Equalities policy at all. It only seems to have a Disability Equality policy - none for race, or sexual orientation, or gender reassignment for that matter has links to Stonewall and Mermaids amongst others, for advice on issues students may be having. I think I'll write a letter as a 'local parent' citing the Department for Education advice and asking them to clarify where I can fond their actual policy on this. I might even leave 'sex' out of my reacted list when voicing my concerns about their lack of policy with regards the EA2010.

I had to have a bit of a cross word with DH as he referred to this as my 'hobby'. I think he was referencing that I creatively write. But as there's no space ships, robots, zombies or magic systems, this is not my hobby kind of writing. I'm referring to this as part of 'house admin' as we have DDs to advocate for. He agreed.

OP posts:

Seainasive · 25/04/2022 18:11

Governing bodies need people like you. Please volunteer!

FemaleAndLearning · 25/04/2022 18:11

Yes, a protest. My daughter is female and does not have a gender identity. If there is space or a free text box I will write that.

eastendmyfreind · 25/04/2022 18:07

@FemaleAndLearning :
"I have to tick other for my daughters."

Sorry to pry, but is that the 'protest vote' approach? If so, more power to you!

FemaleAndLearning · 25/04/2022 17:50

Fantastic result OP. Well done! The other thing to look at is all the Equality stuff at your local council. Mine doesn't use sex apart from in the official list from the Equality Act. It really is a shit show. There are so many links from various pages, the whole thing needs a complete over haul. Not drafted the email yet but it will be very matter of fact like your letter.

NHS vaccination consent forms are another bug bear for me when it asks: male, female, non binary, other.
Again this conflated sex and gender. I have to tick other for my daughters.

FemaleAndLearning · 25/04/2022 17:42

TeenPlusCat · 24/04/2022 08:42

As a parent of a child with SEN myself I do see your point.

However pointing out to the school they have the law wrong can be done in a spirit of cooperation in the first instance, it doesn't need to be a battle.

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Both my daughters have SENDs even more reason to check school is not misrepresenting the law.

SamphirethePogoingStickerist · 25/04/2022 17:14

Yowser! Well done. Ungird those loins, put the kettle on - battle avoided

On to the next....

Original poster

elfycat · 25/04/2022 17:01

I just got a reply.

Dear Elfycat

'Many thanks for your email. We fully appreciate the time you have taken to write this email. We will make the change as you suggest.'

Warm Regards

Assistant Headteacher named on policy.

OK. That was... easy.
Now to look up where else I can use my letter as I (and others on this thread) put time and thought into this.

OP posts:

Beowulfa · 25/04/2022 14:31

I'm about to escalate this argument at work. I'm keeping it factual and succinct:

-I note you have misquoted this Act of Paliament
-here is a link showing the correct wording
-let me know when this has been amended

Everyone has to acknowledge and correct errors occasionally in the workplace; it really shouldn't be a big deal.

Whatwouldscullydo · 25/04/2022 13:51

Well done op!!

MrsOvertonsWindow · 25/04/2022 13:48

Well done elfycat. Unbelievable that schools are playing fast and loose with the law, let alone safeguarding and girls' rights, but here we are.