In a bid to promote “gender-neutral” uniform, a secondary school, namely Appleton Academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has banned skirts. From September, 2019, the girls have been asked to wear trousers only and strictly follow the new regulations. Appleton Academy has sent a letter to the parents urging them about this new rule that is to be taken place from the autumn. However, the students are not happy, as a result, they have challenged the authority’s decision. The enraged school girls call the move absolute “sexist” and reportedly plans to write a petition against Appleton’s new uniform policy.

Since last year, reports have surfaced on the internet in support of various schools in England to follow more “gender-neutral” approach. A 2018’s report by The Times suggests that at least 40 schools in the country have banned girls from wearing skirts. And Bradford's Appleton Academy is the recent add on the list. The Headteacher, identified as Helen Jones in Daily Mail, had sent the letter regarding the ban. It also stated that the move is to stop girls hiking their skirts up to “inappropriate” lengths.

One of the students, was quoted in the same report as, “I think it's absolutely ridiculous. I really don't like having the choice taken away from me. I like wearing a skirt because I find them comfortable, not for any reason other than that. Some people say that wearing a skirt makes you look like a tart and things like that - it's just a piece of clothing, I don't understand.” Again a student's mother, in condition to remain anonymous said, “I think it's disgusting and actually sexist. They're not going to go and force the boys to wear skirts. Women from all the generations before this one wore skirts without any problems, what's changed now?” Boys Allowed to Wear Skirts at Uppingham School in Rutland, UK. 

The academy has about 1,300 pupils aged from 3 to 16. The girls are now planning to file a petition against the new uniform policy. Last year, Uppingham School in Rutland, United Kingdom, garnered enough appreciation for allowing the boys to wear skirts in the premises, promoting gender-neutral approach.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2019 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).