Uniform Policy: Teaching Rape Culture in our Schools (part one)

My daughter’s introduction to slut shaming came with the start of secondary school. While the boys were free to acclimatise to their surroundings the girls were burdened with a new concept and a disturbing emphasis on the length of their skirts.

There are many issues with my daughter’s school uniform policy. There is an inequity to it both between the genders and also depending on which social group a student identifies with.

Fake tans are permitted as well as colouring hair – as long as it’s a “natural” colour. Bleach blonde is good – no matter what shade it turns out. Even the recent ambre hairstyles were allowed. So if you fit into the trendy crowd or you want to go for the playboy bunny look that’s okay. But if you put a purple streak in your hair you’ve gone too far.

Male students can interchange winter or summer uniform as they see fit (which is practical given Melbourne’s erratic weather). They are able to choose between a polo shirt and business shirt (I’ve never seen one choose the business option). They can wear shorts or pants.

In contrast female student’s uniform policy is strictly policed. During term one and four: summer uniform dress (no shorter than knee length) and white socks between the ankles and knees. During term two and three: business shirt, tartan skirt (no shorter than knee length) and the choice of black tights or knee high black socks.

As far as I’m concerned you either are permitted to colour your hair or you’re not. Uniform can be chosen by all students based on the weather – or none. If the school wants their students to appear business like it should be all of the students – or none. I don’t have an issue with uniform policies – it is how they are enforced that creates the problem.

In year eight the girls were lined up in class (in front of jeering male classmates) to have their skirt lengths checked. She was so disturbed by the experience that she wanted to wear pants instead. Technically they are on the uniform list for girls – however they are not stocked in the uniform shop and not listed as an option in the majority of places where the policy is listed.

She was told she could wear the boys’ pants but she should be prepared to be made fun of. The woman who runs the uniform shop said the same thing. When I responded that my daughter still wanted pants I was told we were free to find some if they were made of the same material as the boys’ pants. So far we haven’t had any luck.

*For those who don’t know what ‘rape culture’ is check out this article, ‘25 Everyday Examples of Rape Culture’.

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle