Who wears the trousers? Kids have their say at Stormont over proposed new school uniform Bill

Belfast Telegraph

4 days ago

Education Minister Paul Givan tabled the legislation earlier this year, saying it would 'provide the necessary powers to make a difference in terms of affordability of school uniforms'.
The Bill intends to make existing non-statutory guidance on school uniforms legally binding for all grant-aided and independent primary and post-primary schools, ensuring 'affordability, comfort, and sustainability are central considerations in school uniform policies'.
Additionally, it seeks to extend eligibility for the uniform grant to pupils at independent schools, 'promoting greater equity in financial support across different school types'.
Pupils Rory Brown, Brooke Ewing, Nadia Mackiewicz and James Magill, who are also members of the youth assembly, gave their perspectives to the education committee yesterday.
Concerns over the cost difference between boys' and girls' uniforms were aired, and they called for girls to have the choice of wearing trousers.
'In many schools, trousers are not an option for girls,' said James, who added that the youth assembly backed an amendment from Claire Sugden MLA to 'allow for flexibility' in the issue of female pupils wearing trousers.
'We also would like to know how the rights of disabled and trans students will be included in the Bill.'
Ms Sugden's amendment says: 'Guidelines... must include provision requiring all schools to offer every pupil the option of wearing shorts of a specific style or styles as part of school uniform for all sporting or leisure activities or occasions, and trousers of a specific style or styles as part of school uniform on all other occasions.'
James told the committee: 'There was also discussion about those who are allowed to wear trousers, that they have to go and request it either from staff or their parents or the principal.
'It's an uncomfortable experience and sets pupils apart — offering a choice by default should be included in the Bill.'
Two Co Fermanagh schoolgirls are currently campaigning for legislation to force schools to offer a choice between skirts and trousers.
Rhea Donnell and Astrid Knox, who succeeded in getting Enniskillen Integrated Primary School to allow girls to wear trousers, told the BBC it was 'weird and unfair' that some schools still enforce skirts.
Yesterday, Brooke raised an example from her own school in relation to uniform policies.
She told MLAs: 'We have navy leggings for PE, so a lot of girls decided to wear their own navy leggings, because they weren't comfortable wearing the school-issued leggings, and the school kicked up a fuss about it and just said: 'We'll, you're not doing PE then'.'
She also pointed out the Bill does not contain details over guidelines on various issues, including suppliers and how often they would be reviewed, and a price cap on uniforms for each stage of school life
'It's the view of the youth assembly that all school children, regardless of age but where a uniform is required, be included in this Bill,' she added.
Rory said there should be a clause in the Bill meaning any breach of the guidelines will not result in a pupil 'being isolated or suspended'.
He explained: 'It's almost like a negative points system: your tie is too long or your tie is too short.
'It feels really nit-picky, as if we have to be perfect all the time.
'It is not a great feeling to have in school.
'Also, pupils being sent home for issues like their hairstyle or uniform breaches is extreme, and puts them at a disadvantage for a small issue.'