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

My daughter entered secondary school as a confident quirky individual. Somehow, despite the school’s mixed messages to its students and promotion of a “norm” through its uniform policy she has managed to stay that way. Unfortunately, many of her friends have not fared so well. Some have developed eating disorders, started cutting or have struggled with depression. This year alone four have attempted suicide.

It may seem like a big leap linking the school’s uniform policy to individual students’ social issues and the broader societal issue of rape culture but I think it’s important to scrutinise all of the lessons our children are being taught and their implications. (Whether or not the lessons are intentional.)

Next year my daughter will be starting year eleven and so far at her school there have been regular uniform blitzes directed at the length of skirts.

In a whole school assembly the girls were told their hemlines can lead to distraction and that short skirts are disrespectful. Because this was addressed specifically in regards to skirt length the one message that would have been okay – that disregarding school uniform policy is disrespectful to the school – is doubtful.

The message my daughter and her friends got from the male coordinator giving the speech was that it was disrespectful towards male students, staff and to themselves – otherwise known as slut shaming.

All of the students have been given messages whether it has been the school’s intent or not.

A uniform policy that polices the way girls dress while having a lax policy for male students – coupled with the shaming of girls for distracting males, teaches the following contradictory lessons to our children:

1) Women have no agency over their own bodies.

2) Women and not men are responsible for male desire.

By placing the burden of responsibility for the male gaze fully on female students – harassing them so that the boys are not distracted – the uniform policy also tells our students that the education of boys is more important than the education of girls.

I am not suggesting this is the cause of rape culture in Australia. I am saying I think it perpetuates rape culture.

My daughter has always been artsy and passionate. At the moment she wants to be either a theatrical makeup artist or a journalist. She is also a self-proclaimed feminist. I hope she remains strong and independent.

Recently she wrote an article for her school paper about the iniquities of the school uniform policy. She was rebuked and the article did not run.

Post by Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

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