May 27, 2022
Uniform code stresses diversity
The Human Rights Commission want school uniforms to make students feel included rather than excluded.
It has released guidance to help schools align their policies with human rights principles and acceptance of cultural diversity.
It includes recommendations such as allowing Māori students to wear items that are taonga to them, such as tā moko, pounamu or hei tiki – or even Maori hair styles.
The guidance was developed in response to concerns many students don’t feel safe around their ethnicity, religion or gender because of outdated uniform policies.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says schools need to reflect their communities and accept cultural diversity.
“We’re basing on the basis of not only human rights, the right to education, the right to culture, the right to faith and religion, but also activating te Tiriti o Waitangi as well where Maori were guaranteed they actually could be Maori,” he says.
Meng Foon says other common complaints include Christian students wanting to display a cross, hair length, gender diversity and girls wanting to wear pants in winter,