Balsfjord municipality apologises after school singlet ban

The municipality of Balsfjord has apologised after a school told girls they could not wear singlets during school hours, sparking protests from students and parents.

Nordkjosbotn school in Balsfjord sent a message to parents of girls in 8th and 9th grade on Tuesday, stating that wearing only a singlet on the upper body was seen as “challenging” and that staff wanted to help pupils avoid “sexually offensive/encouraging comments”. The message, sent by the head teacher, came after girls were asked to dress more fully while in the schoolyard.

Students Signe Landau, Sofie Skogeng and Lykke Edvardsen objected to the rule and on Wednesday all three wore singlets to school in protest. Later that day the school reversed its position.

On Thursday afternoon the municipality issued a press release, reported by Dagbladet, in which it apologised. “Balsfjord municipality apologises for the incident where pupils at Nordkjosbotn school were asked to cover up and not use a singlet during school hours. The case has created engagement among pupils and parents, and received coverage in both local and national media. The municipality understands the reactions and takes the matter seriously,” the release said.

Municipal director Sten Tore Svennes was quoted as saying: “We understand that both pupils and parents react. This is a case we take seriously, and we apologise for the handling.” The municipality said the case will be followed up internally to ensure good practice and clear communication in line with regulations and principles.