LETTER: Revert to the skirt!

The decision taken by Priory School to force '˜gender neutrality' on to everyone with its now famous new uniform is offensive to anyone who has, and celebrates, a gender.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Sep 2017, 11:00 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2017, 11:51 BST

Gender is by its very definition not neutral – it is part of the polarity of nature and the universe. Equality between the genders is an entirely different matter and should not be confused with neutrality.

There is a total lack of equality in forcing girls to adopt what is essentially, and historically, a masculine dress style – trousers, shirt and tie.

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This is a classic example of a male-dominant attitude masquerading as forward-thinking, and it is disappointing that a progressive town like Lewes would fall for it.

Many girls choose not to wear trousers, but nearly all boys do so as a matter of course, so the onus to change and fall into line lies entirely with the girls; a thoroughly unfair situation, and the absolute opposite of a feminist stance. This gives a depressing and demeaning message to the girls: they are not equal unless they dress like boys.

It was sad to see this morning the town awash with girls looking like small businessmen – my own daughter included. I do hope the madness is short lived and the school takes the decision to (in my daughter’s words) revert to the skirt.

Piers Adams

Malling Street, Lewes