England is experiencing its hottest heat wave in 40 years.But despite the dangerous temperatures, some upstanding British institutions of secondary learning aren’t bending their dress codes.
According to The Guardian, Isca Academy in Exeter, England, said that it would not change its dress code to allow for shorts, so boys at the school banded together to wear skirts, which the school allows girls to wear.
When they protested that the girls were allowed bare legs, the school – no doubt joking – said the boys were free to wear skirts too if they chose. So on Wednesday, a handful braved the giggles and did so. The scale of the rebellion increased on Thurday, when at least 30 boys opted for the attire.
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The revolution was picked up by media organisations across the globe, and Devon county council was forced to help the school out with inquiries. A spokesperson said: “About 30 boys arrived at school this morning wearing school skirts. None of the boys have been penalised – no one was put in isolation or detention for wearing a skirt.”
It seems the rebellion worked, as the school will reconsider its policy.
The school said it was prepared to think again in the long term. The headteacher, Aimee Mitchell, said: “We recognise that the last few days have been exceptionally hot and we are doing our utmost to enable both students and staff to remain as comfortable as possible.
“Shorts are not currently part of our uniform for boys, and I would not want to make any changes without consulting both students and their families. However, with hotter weather becoming more normal, I would be happy to consider a change for the future.”
More schools are making uniforms gender neutral and modernizing their wardrobe. Elsewhere in the UK, people are protesting work dress codes by wearing skirts, as well.
Uniforms in general are there to increase productivity in businesses and schools by eliminating various distractions or discriminations inherent to fashion. But comfort in heat is a real thing, too, and productivity is going to go down when no one is comfortable.
[Guardian]
