this college prohibits signs of belonging to the LGBT + community

In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a college sent an email to the parents of students about the inappropriate outfits of teenagers. In the message, they decreed to ban signs of belonging to the LGBT + community.

The controversy around clothing in schools continues. This time, it is a Catholic college located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes which has attracted the lightning of its students and Internet users. The cause ? The establishment, in an email sent to the parents of students to remind the dress codes imposed on college students, indicated to prohibit any sign of belonging to the LGBT + community. “The college is a place of work (…) suitable clothing is compulsory (tank tops, short shorts, swimming trunks, flip-flops … are not allowed). In addition, signs of community belonging (Gothic, LGBT …) do not have to be within the establishment “, wrote the management.

See also: A quarter of LGBT + people have already been victims of LGBTPHOBIC assault at work

Video by Clemence Chevallet

The college post was made public by the Instagram account @lecoindeslgbt on June 15, as spotted Melty. “Several students from the Sainte Marie la Grand Grange college (42) sent me the message sent to parents by their establishment prohibiting students ‘signs of community belonging (Gothic, LGBT…)’. Inadmissible! “, can we read in the caption of the post. The authors of this account took the opportunity to challenge Jean-Michel Blanquer, Minister of National Education and Élisabeth Moreno, Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, on the question. No reaction has yet been observed.

Open up to diversity

In comments, many Internet users rebelled against this aberrant and homophobic ban. Many have particularly underlined the importance, at this age, of revealing one’s personality. “They forget that school is also a place of socialization, and that clothes are often tools that allow students to have a little more self-confidence. Self-esteem within a group is important, especially at that age… ”, commented a subscriber. “Basically: get in the mold and shut up. Superb for teaching college students to respect others, and to love each other ”, reacted another. “What about the signs of belonging to the straight community?” “, launched a third.

Read also: 5 times where college girls have been sexualized by their institutions

This controversy comes even as several students from other French schools have expressed their anger at the sexist and unequal rules regarding clothing. It is forbidden to wear crop tops, skirts or even a neckline… in 2021, it is sad to note that the bodies of young adolescent girls are still overly sexualized. And in this case, that we do not open up to diversity … rather than educating young people on respect and consent.

Elise Poiret

Journalist specializing in parenthood, Elise writes for aufeminin and Parole de mamans. She is also very involved in the fight for women’s rights. If you only have to remember …