‘Cold... discriminatory’: Students campaign to end skirt-only uniform policies

For a group of schoolgirls in a Dublin secondary school, the chilly, open-window policies in classrooms during the pandemic proved the final straw.

Students at Maryfield College, an all-girls school in Drumcondra, Dublin, have launched a campaign to end what they describe as cold, impractical and discriminatory skirt-only uniform policies.

While a growing number of Irish schools allow girls to wear trousers, many continue to insist skirts are mandatory.

Students argue that the policies are uncomfortable, outdated and hinder exercise and cycling to school.

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“This was a problem before Covid,” said Riya Philip (15), a transition-year student. “But it’s really been highlighted during the winter where girls are being asked in some schools to sit in a room with windows and doors open in a uniform skirt with bare legs.”

Strong diversity

Anita Sibi (15) said there was a strong diversity argument for ending skirt-only policies to accommodate transgender students.

“Often the only option for LGBT students in a girls’ school is to wear a tracksuit, but those students stand out hugely from the crowd,” she said.

Ellen O’Mahony (15) said while Maryfield College is due to adopt trousers as part of its school uniform next September. following consultation with parents, students and staff, other students are not as fortunate.

“We feel this is a right for all and shouldn’t depend on a small group of people on a school board of management,” she said.

The students have launched a #whowearsthetrousers campaign on social media and are urging other schools to join in. An opinion poll they conducted locally indicates there is overwhelming support for change.

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union says it is a growing issue in schools and is due to be addressed at its first women’s conference on Tuesday.

"Gender-specific uniforms are the one issue we see come up time and time again when consulting with students," said ISSU president Emer Neville.

“... There is no argument in favour of gendered uniforms that is good enough to justify it. It’s time this outdated practice is brought to a much-needed end.”

Equality issue

A number of TDs contacted as part of the school-uniform campaign have asked parliamentary questions on the topic and say they will adopt it as an equality issue.

In response, Minister for Education Norma Foley has said individual school authorities are responsible for drawing up school policy in relation to the wearing of uniforms. "Schools are advised to consult with parents and students when drafting a policy on uniforms," she said.

Draft legislation – the Student and Parent Charter Bill – is currently progressing through the Dáil which recognises the importance of listening to the voice of children and students, she added.

The girls at Maryfield conceived the campaign during a Young Social Innovators module, which encourages students to come up with solutions to real-world problems.

Their teacher Margaret McLoughlin said the girls agreed that the notion of uniforms making girls appear “ladylike” was outdated.

‘Cannot cycle’

“The girls wear leggings and jeans at home, and rarely wear a skirt. As they say themselves, they cannot cycle to schools in the skirts.”

As far as student Anita Sibi is concerned, it’s an issue fundamental to students’ wellbeing.

“I think it’s an issue which can affect students’ mental health. At the end of the day, school should be a safe environment where students can feel comfortable and be themselves.”