A series of schools has reformed their dress codes and encouraged parents to buy trousers for girls and skirts for buys in an attempt to promote gender neutrality and freedom of choice.
Starting the new school year, parents in Welsh, UK, will have the option to dump gender-specific choices of wear and select whatever type of uniform their children prefer.
The reform follows after the government advised educational institutions to shake up their school uniform regulations in order to provide children with freedom of choice.
In addition to these changes, several schools banned skirts after students complained about being forced to wear different types of uniforms based on their gender.
“This should include the choice for all children as to whether they wear trousers or skirts, regardless of their gender assignment or sexuality,” one person said during the consultation in which the majority of respondents backed up the idea of having gender-neutral uniforms.
“The practicality of having a uniform policy that prescribes only gender-neutral garments would be difficult to fulfill. However having a policy that allows children to wear any garments that form a part of the uniform policy should be allowed and encouraged,” another one added.
In addition, Welsh schools will also cut down on the expenses when it comes to the uniforms’ design and discusses whether two types of uniforms for different seasons are really required.
“Families will know how expensive new uniforms can be,” Kirsty Williams, Education Minister, said.
“This guidance puts a statutory responsibility on schools to consider the affordability, access, and availability when setting their school uniform and appearance policy.”
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