Gender discrimination?

[MayMom]

I work in a school that is tightening up their staff absence policy. During a conversation with a member of Senior Leadership team, he mentioned that a conversation was taking place regarding the tendancy for the mother to be one that stays home when a child is ill and that it should be shared out more between parents. With the suggestion that female teachers who are parents will be asked for their partners to stay home when they call up with childcare issues. Surely this is gender discrimination if the teachers who are fathers aren't asked the same? What do you think?

[TheDoctrineOfSanta]

Reasonable efforts means reasonable efforts. If your partner works on an oil rig, it's unreasonable to share emergency leave when they are away.

My old work policy was to make reasonable efforts to have medical appointments at the end of the day. Didn't mean you got disciplined for going to a morning clinic.

However, I do see what FBR is getting at somewhat - if the policy change doesn't change behaviour, will the employer take any action?

[HermioneWeasley]

Flowery, as ever you are

1). Right
2). Eloquent
3). Patient in the face of extreme provocation and intransigence

I feel the need to leap in front of you, slap Ribena with a glove and challenge him/her to a dual for patronising you!

[FloweryTaleofNewYork]

[MayMom]

Yikes!
Let's keep it friendly. Thanks to everyone who responded. I think lots of posts were coming from slightly different angles. My own angle....as someone who has worked in secondary education for over 15 years and has seen some of the most ridiculous decisions made by managers of education at ALL levels (ahem...Gove) nothing would surprise me. I will have to wait and see.