Girls’ uniforms ‘sexist’
The organisation was commenting after Sarah Dervan, student council president at St Mary’s secondary school in Nenagh, said it was sexist that the girls had to wear skirts.
“We find it very sexist The girls in this school have really felt the cold in the last few weeks This is not a fashion issue and we’re not looking for a complete change but we think we should at least have the choice. We are not thinking about bringing an equality case, we hope to achieve it within the school itself,” said 16-year-old Sarah.
Principal Jerry Cronin said they will consult with parents and management about a trouser uniform option. Two years ago a former trainee receptionist was awarded £3,800 after an equality officer found that she had been discriminated against by CERT for insisting that its standard female uniform be worn at interview. The tourism training body has since changed the trainee receptionist uniform. “Schools provide a service so they would have obligations under the Equal Status Act. There should be a standard dress code for boys and girls in schools,” said an Equality Authority spokesperson.
