Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FURY AS SCHOOLGIRL TOLD SHE CAN’T WEAR TROUSERS
Ulster pupil, 14, goes to the Equality Commission
A FEMALE pupil at a top Northern Ireland school has been told she cannot wear trousers in class.
The 14-year-old, a keen footballer, has asked for permission to do so but has been turned down by senior staff in consideration of uniform rules at the school.
Now the student and her family have made contact with the Equality Commission about the matter and it is believed they are prepared to make representations on her behalf.
A source told the Mirror: “This young girl is a keen footballer and is not allowed to wear trousers on the school premises apart from tracksuit bottoms but she cannot wear those in any class apart from PE.
“She is a good student and simply wants to wear trousers to be practical and feel more comfortable, especially while playing sport with her peers during break times.
CONFIDENT
“The school has male and female students and the boys are allowed to wear trousers.
“This particular girl feels she would be more comfortable and confident if she was able to wear suitable trousers too. This is not a matter of identity, it’s a matter of comfort, practicality and sense.”
It is understood the pupil has continued to wear her uniform pleated skirt to school and had not tried to force the issue by turning up in trousers like her male peers. The source said: “She is a very good pupil.
“This girl has worked hard to get into this school and she continues to work hard while there.
“She is very well thought of by her teachers and has the support of her friends at the school in this matter.
“Her only issue about school is having to wear a skirt when she wants to wear trousers.”
It is understood pupils in Northern Ireland who identify as non-binary, are transsexual or are of a religion that requires them to be covered, are able to wear trousers.
NORTHERN IRELAND YESTERDAY