Short Skirts

[malibuloving]

So DCs school has a new headteacher coming in in September. The uniform has stayed the same apart from the blazer getting a makeover and becoming a bit posher

However, the uniform used to be fairly optional as long as a blouse/shirt, school jumper and black shoes/trainers were worn you didn’t have to wear the blazer. Now the new head has sent booklets home to all families with information.

He’s changed the skirt rule. The former head was a proud feminist and said girls and boys can wear skirts or trousers, it was totally up to them and the skirt used to be fine as long as you couldn’t see their underwear! I would say 99% of the students really did respect this rule end wore suitable length (for school) skirts.

Now the new head has abolished trousers for girls and skirts for boys. Girls skirts must come below the knee and if seen higher, an hour detention is the immediate punishment. His reasoning? ‘X is a professional site in which all students must aspire to learn and we must all endure we don’t distract other students by our attire’ He’s evidently stating that shorter skirts distract boys and that girls must be responsible for boys behaviour.

I also have a DS at the school and it says on his booklet it states that if boys are seen with their trousers hanging down so underwear can be seen, they are put in for a 45 minute detention?

Aibu to think this is blatantly sexism and to think about complaining? I’m not usually one to get on the schools’ back as I know they’re underfunded etc but this is ridiculous in my eyes and the eyes of DDs and peers.

Also, we’re not ‘against’ the new head in any shape or form. I think a lot of his ethos and values are brilliant, just quite iffy about this.

I absolutely agree about a decent skirt length, some are virtually obscene. HOWEVER I would be spitting feathers is my dd wasn’t allowed to wear trousers and would be taking this point as far as I could up the chain of command!

@Clangus00 Yes DD didn’t see it as fair either as she used to be able to wear them and suddenly she can’t.

It is absolutely disgraceful to ban girls from wearing trousers.

I've had this argument before. Your dd should be allowed to wear trousers, especially in the winter months. Complain about the new policy, you won't be the only one who doesn't like it.

It is terrible but is it sexist if they're banning boys too? Ridiculous and worth adressing yes, definitely actually, but I wouldn't use the word sexist for it.

The rule should have been everyone wears trousers.
I think he could be in trouble for the girls shouldn't distract boys remark and that really needs to be taken to a higher level.
I think in today's society he should have given a rule if skirts or trousers for anyone.
I would not be happy.

Of not if

@stayahomer

No, I’m saying it’s sexist how they’re saying that girls need to have longer skirts to not distract boys which is blaming girls for boys being distracted.

It’s also sexist how girls break the uniform rule and have their skirts above the knee or on the knee, not below it and get a 1 hour detention.

Boys who have trousers so low down you can see their underpants, get a 45 minute detention

I think it's wrong not to allow either sex to wear skirts or trousers. I don't see the problem with skirts needing to be at the knee (when I was at school it was "just above the knee" as the shortest you could go), or boys having to have their waists pulled up.

They should, however, both get the same detention time.

I think everyone girls and boys should wear trousers for school. They are in every way more practical for girls.

Agree - really short skirts aren't appropriate for school but there is no reason that girls should not be allowed to wear trousers or boys skirts if the want to! I'm sure many other parent will feel the same about this so iId ask around and organise a complaint together

It’s a good policy (children should learn to dress professionally - that’s the whole point of having uncomfortable uniforms). But (s)he clearly doesn’t understand this and needs a good talking to.

Oh okay, sorry OP!

@rosedream Yes I think DH and I will complain about that line as I don’t like it and DH is very upset that girls can’t wear trousers.

They also aren’t allowed tights as the skirt should come past the knee so knee high socks should do the trick On windy, freezing cold days I doubt that will be sufficient enough but we’ll see

@Rethymnon I honestly didn’t know there was a uniform troll and I’m not one but I understand why you think I am, no worries.

@stayathomer No it’s fine haha I didn’t explain it very well

I can’t get too upset about enforcing sensible skirt lengths and getting boys to pull up their trousers.

However, preventing girls from wearing trousers is quite weird.

“They also aren’t allowed tights”

Oh yes, it’s you again...

They aren’t allowed tights? That is quite weird (and possibly discriminatory - see page 6 of the guidance here assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/514978/School_Uniform_Guidance.pdf. Girls will be colder than boys.

@Rethymon

In all honestly, I came on here to ask about baby names and Elizabeth I I’m not the bloody troll. I’ve asked MNHQ to remove this post as I’ve got the replies I’ve needed and I would like to be able to stay on here to look at the history/baby threads. I’m very sorry that you think I am the troll and I do understand why as I’ve reported the popular troll before!

@CruCru Yes I just had a look? Perhaps indirect discrimination but I suppose as the skirt is very long, no leg is bare so perhaps they won’t be cold? Who knows until the winter

Alright, well should I sent you a picture of the booklet? This is very stressful for me and I’ve reported my post to MN as this was a mistake. I promise I had no clue about a troll. I’m very sorry to anyone who I’ve upset x