A first-grader from Melbourne, Australia has earned the right to wear pants in her Catholic school as part of her uniform. Initially, her request to wear pants instead of a tunic and stockings was denied by the school.
Six-year-old Asha Cariss and her mother, Simone Cariss, then launched an online petition seeking the reversal of the school's decision. Asha studies in Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School.
Are we seriously still debating whether girls can wear pants to school? Ridiculous https://t.co/jOsjDQu3vi #genderequality #destroythejoint
— Amanda Copp (@AmandaCopp1) May 16, 2016
First-Grader Wanted To Wear Pants For Sports
The Age reported that Asha wanted to wear pants because it was uncomfortable to play sports in a heavy tunic and thick stockings. Her mother said that she "basically got a no. Their petition reportedly got almost 9,000 signatures in three days.
Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School said that they had never out rightly refused the Cariss' request, according to The Guardian. However, they did say that it had mistakenly appeared as they had totally rejected the request to wear pants.
First-Grader Allowed To Wear Pants Provisionally
Both The Age and The Guardian report that the school will be having a review of the school uniform. Students, parents and staff make up the committee to review the uniform and Simone Cariss has been asked to take part in it.
"I'd challenge people to find a workplace where women are required to wear dresses, it's discrimination based on gender in schools and I think it needs to be changed," Simone Cariss said via 9news. She added that it was not her intention to bring shame to her daughter's school.
Should girls be allowed to wear pants as part of their school uniform? Share your thoughts below.
