Are education jobs to become more gender conscious?

Staff in education jobs may need to be more aware of the needs of students struggling with their gender identity, according to a new report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The organisation has published new guidance which warns that the implementation of strict school uniform policies by those in senior education jobs may have a negative impact on some pupils grappling with issues relating to transsexuality.

According to the report: "Requiring pupils to wear gender-specific clothes is potentially unlawful."

It adds that in recent research "pupils born female with gender dysphoria experienced great discomfort being forced to wear stereotypical girls' clothes, for example a skirt".

Such a view may come to inform the government's forthcoming equality bill, which has been planned for implementation in autumn this year.

The EHRC was established in October 2007 as a replacement organisation for the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Posted by Harriet McGowan



Published On 23/02/2010