By Robyn Grace
A Melbourne secondary school has been accused of making unnecessary political statements after introducing a puffer jacket for students featuring the Aboriginal and pride flags.
Cheltenham Secondary College in Melbourne’s bayside has raised the ire of its community after including the logos as permanent features of its new uniform item.
Cheltenham Secondary School’s new puffer jacket, featuring the Aboriginal and pride flags.
One school parent, who did not want to be named because she didn’t want her views to reflect on her son, said there had been no consultation on the jacket’s design and was disappointed the flags were included.
“It’s like virtue signalling in a school,” she said. “I just don’t think it’s necessary. It’s a school. Let the kids go and be kids.”
The parent said she had been excited about the jacket “because my kid is one of those ones who wear shorts in winter”, but didn’t purchase one after her son and his friends refused to wear it.
“It’s just a shame I can’t buy a puffer jacket with the school emblem on it to keep my kid warm,” the parent said. “It’s a school, it’s not a political statement.”
Gail McHardy, chief executive of Parents Victoria, said the jacket was not compulsory and there would also be parents who supported the design.
“I think the most important message is about inclusivity,” she said.
Cheltenham Secondary College said the jacket was added this winter as an additional item after feedback from parents and students in a uniform survey last year.
The item costs $89.95 and also features the school motto: Respect, responsibility, personal best, community.
The school said on Facebook that the jacket was an optional item and not a replacement for the school’s windcheater, which does not feature the logos and remains part of the college uniform.
A Department of Education spokesperson said school uniform policies were determined by school councils.
“The jacket was initiated by the student community and is not a compulsory part of the school uniform,” they said.
“Like all our state schools, Cheltenham Secondary College is proud to be a safe and welcoming school.”
Cheltenham Secondary College was contacted for comment.
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2023-07-10 01:41:57Z
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