Dress code debate
“Lotty” Outfits: Parents’ Advice on School Dress Codes
Too casual? In France there is a debate about the introduction of school uniforms – here too there are supporters of dress codes in classrooms. photo
© Christian Charisius/dpa
The Federal Parents’ Council wants rules against “inappropriate, torn or revealing clothing” – and demands consequences for violations. The teachers’ union refuses.
The Federal Parents’ Council has spoken out in favor of dress codes in schools. “We recommend that schools close a consensus on a dress code,” the organization’s chairwoman, Christiane Gotte, told the Funke media group’s newspapers. Such a consensus should then also be included in the house rules.
Then a violation would also have consequences. “Then you can send students home and ask them to dress properly.” Mostly it is about “inappropriate, loose, torn or revealing clothing”.
Mothers in particular see an advantage in clothing rules in order to avoid morning discussions with their children. At the same time, Gotte conceded a general one Dress code in schools is hardly enforceable in the federal system.
Teachers’ Association: “School is not a beach and not a club”
The background is a debate in France about the introduction of school uniforms. President Emmanuel Macron had spoken out in favor of uniform clothing.
The German Teachers’ Association rejects fixed rules. “Because of our history, we in Germany are geared differently towards freedom, self-determination and maturity. Finding a formulation that defines how long a T-shirt can be is hardly possible,” association president Stefan Duell told the Funke newspapers.
The fact that clothing is more casual and no longer so formal “is a trend in society as a whole”. But it is also clear: “School is not a beach and not a club.”
The Association for Education and Upbringing (VBE) considers school uniforms and standard clothing to be an encroachment on the right of self-determination of parents and children, as Association Vice President Tomi Neckov said. On top of that, uniform clothing does not prevent social injustice. In addition, financially weaker households must not be additionally burdened with the purchase.