Oxford rewrites strict dress code
The new rules, which come into force on Wednesday, follow a motion by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer society (LGBTQ) which was passed by the students’ union earlier this year.
It means men can sit tests in skirts and stockings, and women will have the option of wearing suits and bow ties to a formal occasion.
Jess Pumphrey, LGBTQ society’s executive officer, said the change would make a number of students’ exam experience less stressful.
Under the old laws — known as subfusc — if a transgender student wanted to wear subfusc of the opposite sex they had to seek special dispensation from university proctors, who had the power to punish those who breached rules.
“The regulations have been amended to remove any reference to gender, in response to concerns raised by the Student Union,” said Oxford.
