Face Off: Should all students, regardless of gender, have the same uniform?

Providing the same school uniform for all students will reduce physical discomfort, bullying and the financial burden on parents. Evidence suggests that implementing gender-neutral uniforms can benefit students, parents and schools.

Schools tend to carry two types of uniforms to match traditional gender norms: girls in skirts and boys in trousers or shorts. These uniforms are often uncomfortable or restrict movement.

Boys get too hot wearing long trousers in summer, while girls freeze in the winter wearing short skirts.

According to Dr Johanna Reidy, from the department of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington, New Zealand, girls are forced to wear uniforms that stop them from being active during breaks or travelling to school.

“The style of school uniforms and the lack of warmth makes female students reluctant to cycle to and from school,” she said. “It can come down to not wanting to cycle to school or play on the jungle gym for fear of inadvertently flashing your [underwear].”

This shows how gendered school uniforms are generally uncomfortable for all genders but are especially disadvantageous to girls.

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Forcing gender-diverse students into boxes leads to depression and discomfort, while transgender students who try to wear uniforms to match their gender identity face bullying and discrimination.

According to LGBTQ charity Stonewall’s 2017 School Report, 64 per cent of British trans students have been bullied for being LGBTQ and 20 per cent of transgender youth were even prohibited from wearing uniforms that match their gender identity.

Gender-neutral uniforms can also help ease parents’ financial burden.

A study by Income Tax Limited in the United Kingdom found that prices of school uniforms for girls are 11.9 per cent higher on average than those for boys.

The difference is known as the “pink tax” – the tendency for products marketed specifically toward women to be priced higher. With just one type of uniform for all students, parents can save money.

Our responsibility is to ensure all students feel safe, comfortable, confident and included in their school environment.

This can be done by creating one standard uniform. Let’s stand for equality by supporting gender-neutral school uniforms.

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As more people explore gender fluidity and transgender identities, gendered clothing and uniforms have become a point of contention. Some argue that abolishing traditional gender distinctions is the first step towards an inclusive society.

Gender-neutral uniforms are one style of clothing for all genders, for example, a button-down shirt, trousers and a jumper. An inclusive school environment should offer uniforms that can be customised to suit individuals’ needs.

At the same time, we can educate teenagers about LGBTQ rights to create a respectful campus environment.

It is essential to consider the cultural and traditional significance of uniforms. They can be integral to a school’s identity, and sudden changes can be jarring for some communities.

Abandoning traditional gendered uniforms might be seen as a loss of heritage, disregarding the school’s history. For some schools, uniforms may symbolise tradition and continuity, and changes can be met with resistance.

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Religious beliefs and cultural practices must also be considered. A school in Kerala, India, received backlash after allowing its girl students to wear trousers.

Conservative Muslim organisations in the state accused the school of forcing “Western” attire on the children, saying girls wearing trousers would lead to a loss of gender differentiation.

If everyone wears the same uniforms, it may be difficult to distinguish the gender of a schoolmate in another class. Mistakes can be made, such as misgendering, potentially seen as disrespectful to others and awkward on the whole.

Some students might feel uncomfortable in gender-neutral uniforms, for example, those who want to express their chosen gender.

If a female student wishes to wear a dress, this would not be possible because this attire is not typically seen as gender-neutral. This might lead to the student feeling restricted and excluded or even bullied.

Traditional uniforms maintain social norms and expectations around gender roles and behaviours while providing a way for students to express their gender identity in a way that is meaningful to them.

As one standard uniform comes with various problems, it is easiest to allow schools to have at least two versions split by gender.