Melbourne school’s uniform prompts outrage, applause.

[Mirrabooka]

Despite the inevitable blowback, I still see this as a good news story.

 

A high school in Melbourne has introduced a jacket featuring Aboriginal and pride flags as a new uniform item. This was a student led initiative and was supported by the school council. The jacket is not a compulsory uniform item and no-one is being forced to wear it.

 

The salient point for me was the observation that "Young peope are leading the way with inclusion. We shouldn't need flags to remind people that they are loved and valued as they are, but as the reaction from some people to this jacket again demonstrates, these symbols of inclusion are as important as ever."

 

Cheltenham Secondary College accused of making political statement with puffer jacket (theage.com.au)

 

Stories like this give me confidence for the future that the world will eventually become more and more inclusive and accepting as time goes on. 

[Birdie]

1980's I remember a young boy decided they would try out to become a cheerleader at our local school. They agreed to wear the uniform and participate in basically everything. 

There was nothing in the rules about gender if cheerleaders, and if course his trying out for the cheering squad opened quite the " can of worms". 

 

Parents were outraged, it made the local papers, and even mentioned in the local news. The backlash was significant!

 

End result, they could not prevent anyone for trying out for the cheer squad, and the person did make the squad and cheered with the other girls for about 3 years. 

 

Over a very short period of time their presence was just accepted and the outrage was forgotten about. She (as she called herself) just became part of the norm. 

[Charlize]

I love every bit of positive news.  So often we seem accepted by those who get to know us over time.  Funny how we really aren't so scary or dangerous....just people being themselves.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Carolyn Marie]

Definitely a feel good story.  Thanks for reminding us that positive things are still happening around the world.

 

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

Replace the adjective "Outrage" with "pitiful grumbling" and you get a better picture.  I think it is the description of the negative reactions that is driving some of the unrest today. 

[awkward-yet-sweet]

I think it is political, at least to a degree.  The article is somewhat unclear about if these jackets are required.  Can students wear something else?  If that's the only jacket allowed, I can see why parents would take issue with it.  If there are other options, then why complain?

[Alin RP]

Stories like this make me excited to see where the future goes, thank you