Girls at a high school in Christchurch have been told they must refrain from wearing short skirts – for fear of them distracting male staff and students.
A senior staff member at Hornby High School gave the advice during a school assembly last week, reports The Star.
According to reports, girls who were told about their skirts were visibly upset, and some refused to attend classes taught by male teachers later that day. Others turned up in trousers as a statement against the move.
Principal of Hornby High, Robin Sutton, admitted the incident was “regrettable,” but said the advice was “well-intentioned.”
The girls, who were in years 11-13, were told that rolling their skirts up too high was distracting for their male peers and teachers.
But after taking their concerns to their principal, the senior girls were told they will achieve a formal apology for the incident.
Rape Prevention Education commented on the incident, telling The Star: “The teacher is in a position of power and authority and have the responsibility to provide a safe environment.”
“It’s giving a message to young women they are responsible for someone else’s sexual thoughts or behaviour.”
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