School proposing to introduce gender-neutral uniforms branded ‘misguided’ and ‘deluded’

gender neutral school uniforms
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A private school in London has faced a backlash over its proposal to introduce a gender-neutral uniform.

Highgate School have proposed that girls’ and boys’ uniforms would be scrapped and replaced with a mix-and-match policy.

Currently, girls are already allowed to wear trousers, jackets and ties. Under the new policy, boys would also be allowed to wear pleated skirts.

The move comes as a response to a number of children questioning their gender. The school reportedly welcomes one male student who wears dresses.

The school has also already put in place measures for staff to observe gender-neutral speech and has banned phrases such as ‘man up’.

However, the proposal has caused anger amongst the school’s alumni. An email opposing the changes was sent to members of the Old Cholmeleian (OC) Society, which comprises of around 6,000 former pupils and teachers at the school.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, the message described the proposal as ‘seriously misguided’ and that its recipients should “mobilise as much opposition to this as possible.”

The message continued, saying, “This would be both deluded and disturbing for pupils at a formative and highly impressionable age, and also damaging to the reputation of the school.”

The email also went on to urge people to sign a petition against the proposed uniform changes. A number of letters have also allegedly been sent to the school opposing the plans.

After hearing about the petition, headmaster Adam Pettitt responded saying that he hoped “the great majority of those connected to Highgate, present and past, will see that we are adjusting in the light of current pupils’ and parents’ views, societal change and clinical advice.”

Speaking earlier in the year to the Sunday Times, headmaster Adam Pettitt said, “This generation is really questioning being binary in the way we look at things.”

“We’re therefor exploring how our uniform policy could evolve to cater for those who do want to match clothing to gender, as well as those who don’t.”

“In common with all other schools and youth organisations, yes, we are seeing greater numbers of pupils questioning gender identity that in the past.”

“Having said that, in years gone by, absolutely no young people were raising it at all and it seems inconceivable that these sorts of questions simply didn’t exist.”

“The fact that there is significantly greater support and information available, both in schools and elsewhere, means that young people need no longer feel afraid to ask questions or speak out about their feelings.”

“If they feel happier and more secure in who they are, it must be a good thing.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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