Girl in Union Jack dress sent home on diversity day

Primrose53

Last week a school leaver was banned from attending her school prom at a local school.

It seems she was also a good, popular student but her attendance had not been very good in recent months for medical reasons. School had warned kids that if they did not attend a certain amount of days they would not be allowed to attend the Prom. She had evidence to prove her medical reasons but school still banned her.

She decided to turn up for the prom anyway but was not allowed in. Her dress cost her parents £130!

I thought it very unfair.

Why are some school staff so petty these days?

Is it because they are afraid to tackle the real problems which are happening in schools now?

I assume that a sanction that serious came from the Head, hopefully not without careful consideration. So, for what reason would the Head then turn round and apologise?

Absolutely Galaxy

More votes for Reform! That school have just kicked themselves right in the foot.

I am not unconvinced on reading the BBC article that either the speech or the wearing of the dress was motivated by any sincere reflection on the merits of diversity….but those in charge at that school really need to give their heads a good wobble.
Yes Allira I do nowdays think that these petty rules and regulations (eg keep to the left in corridors or face a sanction) or archaic insistence regarding uniforms and tyes, hairstyles etc are just a proxy for providing a thorough basic education.

In short schools need to grow up, realise that this is 2025 not 1925 and should reflect how people dress and act in real life.

Doodledog

What has the fact that she is a 'Grade A' student got to do with it?

I don't see why the incident should define her throughout her school career - if it does it will be because her father went to the press with the story, though. I wonder whether he was behind the speech in the first place?

I agree that British culture is valuable, and lament the fact that far right groups have hijacked the Union Jack (and the England flag in particular - the flags of the other home nations are still seen as acceptable), but I'd be interested to learn whether there is more to this than meets the eye.

The father, Stuart Field, did not "go to the press" he simply posted the facts on his Facebook page - 5 days or so ago. The story was picked up either from there or from his post being shared elsewhere.
My friend's child played the ass in a Christmas nativity play, he carries the ass label throughout his future schooling, with much detriment to his mental health. This girl will be remembered for the situation the school (not her, or her father caused) l hope they can turn it into a positive for her.

This is what Stuart Field (the girl's father posted on his Facebook page)

"On my way to collect my daughter from school
She's currently being made to sit at reception waiting for me.

The reason?
It's cultural diversity day at school where children can wear clothing representing their culture and write a speech about their heritage.
she's been told it's not for her as she gets to celebrate being British everyday.

Disgusting woke lefty teachers have removed a white British 12 year old girl for being proud of her country.

This 12 year old girl without saying a single word, without being allowed to make a beautiful inclusive speech, has highlighted the very problem with the left woke in this country."

He also posted her speech.

Hmm, even less convinced now that that word wokery has cropped up.
I reckon that the frankly daft reaction on the part of her school will not define this twelve year olds future.
But going on Facebook to moan/rant if it identifies her is not wise.

Mr Field claimed other pupils with St George's and Welsh flags were also turned away, while students wearing other burkas were allowed.

So it's maybe a "flag" thing?

Or simply too short?

The father said:
It’s about being British, the Spice Girls and even the freedom of being able to wear a dress.

Im not sure that wearing a union flag dress is actually part of British culture. Of course she shouldn't have been banned but this notion that tolerance and freedom of speech are British values is ironic, since Reform would do their best to quash diversity.

vegansrock do you have any specific examples of Reform quashing diversity? I don’t see how Reform is involved in this particular school’s actions.

I mentioned Reform as others on here claimed that this incident would increase votes for Reform, who don’t exactly promote diversity or tolerance. The girl could just as easily worn jeans and t shirt since England doesn’t have a universal “traditional dress”. I’m sure this diversity day was intended to give those from minority backgrounds a chance to highlight their heritage, but white British pupils should have been included. There is a whole other discussion about British culture and how it has benefitted from colonialism and oppression which probably wasn’t intended.

The school may have apologised but the damage has been done. It has brought out the intentions and attitudes of so many in public service...the eradication of our British culture. More fuel to the fire of those who disagree with the current agenda.

mum2three

The school may have apologised but the damage has been done. It has brought out the intentions and attitudes of so many in public service...the eradication of our British culture. More fuel to the fire of those who disagree with the current agenda.

So true

Indeed they will then of course complain about a culture war whilst being utterly unaware they are in fact in the middle of a class war. But bless them.

Normally I would not advise going on Facebook to air a school matter, but in this case it has exposed a grave injustice. Humiliating and excluding a pupil from school during a special day for doing exactly as she was told, celebrating her own culture by wearing a dress to represent it (England does not have a national costume) and preparing an excellent speech.
The staff should have commended her for her speech. It was well-written, addressed the topic with a range of examples to illustrate her point, followed by a valid discussion point:
But sometimes at school, we only hear about other cultures - which is great because learning about different countries is interesting and important. But it can feel like being British doesn’t count as a culture, just because it’s the majority
I think culture should be for everyone - not just for people from other countries or backgrounds. Being British is still a culture, and it matters too. It’s part of who I am.
And the speech ends on a positive note:
So let’s celebrate all cultures - whether they come from far away or right here at home
The DEI and multi-cultural policies in Bilton School need serious re-assessment, also the attitudes of staff who grossly and unkindly over-reacted to this incident. It would be good to hear an apology from the school itself, instead of sheltering under the umbrella of Stowe Valley Academy. Trust.

I would not advise going on Facebook to air any school matter!

I would speak to the school first, try to understand and resolve and if necessary take any matter "higher".

Involving social media can so easily (and obviously) involve the press... Who wants that unnecessarily?

The poster states on its Culture Day it's a special day recognising and celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our school community. Your attire must reflect your nationality and cultural heritage with a subliminal message which clearly wasn't picked up, unless you happen to be English or Welsh

So we have one girl wearing the Union Jack dress which was often seen as a form of attire back in the '90s by Spice Girl Gerri, The Spice Girls message which many will remember was "Girl Power" a good one for prepubescent girls I would have thought I believe I am right in saying that the girl in question was inspired by the Gerri's retro dress as well as the Union Jack flag itself as a symbol of her national heritage. Conversely another girl/s wore the burka which is a symbol of her/their national heritage. Sadly for many women who are forced to wear this ugly shroud it wouldn't be anything to celebrate, but understandably the child/ren who chose that garment would not understand the dichotomy of a dress that was worn by a singer extolling power to her sex and garment that is a symbol of female suppression

I also read that children turning up with the St George's flag and the Welsh Dragon flags, those were not allowed, but apparently a tartan tie was. So there we have it, no outward show of English or Welsh heritage but your ok if your Scottish, who dreams up these anomalies, how do people of such intolerance get appointed to positions of such importance????

Never mind, the school's statement included "we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure practices reflect our values (whatever they are) and inclusion" Too bad they need training for feelings that should be innate, because over this debacle the school have made complete asses of themselves.

your you're

This whole thing is a media nonsense it seems to me.
Most news outlets say "No10 backs girl" (and father...) but all I can find anywhere is this from a spokesperson for Prime Minister

"I think the school has put out a statement on this so I'm not going to comment further, but the Prime Minister has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated.”^

This is not at all the same and is being creatively manipulated by the press!

We've always had people in society who complain. Today, the internet provides them with an even broader platform to voice their grievances.

"Woke" has become like a badge for the "us versus them" mentality in society. It has evolved into a sort of password - similar to a key used to gain entry into a building in a challenging part of town, where certain extreme activities may occur.

Sometimes, groups that separate themselves in this way raise legitimate concerns, simply asking for acceptance or fair treatment - they cause no harm to others. However, at other times, they aim to subvert and influence others to adopt their views.

As I’ve mentioned, such groups have always existed, but the rise of the "woke" movement makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, signaling that something is very wrong. It feels like extreme opinions are being used to shut down or push out others - we have seen its use in America. The advantage we have is that this group is clearly identifiable by their use of the "woke" password

I wouldn’t post this kind of thing on Facebook but I can’t blame the father who did. As for those who seem to criticise, suggest father had his own agenda as dads don’t usually get involved in what their daughters wear. Another negative stereotype, along with blaming dad for the press getting involved.

The school made an absolute mess of their diversity day, no British unless a tartan tie is your thing. No British English or Welsh commemoration. The line that British culture is celebrated daily doesn’t hold water as we allow various items of headwear or clothing that confirm Muslim or Jewish heritage.

"The DEI and multi cultural policies in Bilton School need serious re assessment also the staff who grossly and unkindly overreacted to this incident"

People in positions of authority are now seemingly so moribund by fatuous DEI an ethos promoted by hedge funds and banks, many of whom are beacons of unprincipled behaviour themselves in their, at times, own ruinous practices but have lately reinvented themselves as some sort of arbiters of morals. All this has been inflicted on educational institutes and businesses to the extent that everyone is scared to express any sort of an opinion that flies in the face of what is sanctioned by nefarious sanctimony from institutions who have extended their reach and interference into almost every walk of life, so much so it's strangulated reasoned rationale.

My friend's child played the ass in a Christmas nativity play, he carries the ass label throughout his future schooling, with much detriment to his mental health

My son played the back legs of a donkey. He seems to have emerged unscathed.