Pori school to clarify dress rule after legal concerns

A school in Pori plans to clarify its dress guidance after acknowledging that it resembles a rule previously found unlawful, Yle reported. Porin Lyseo’s rules tell pupils to ensure their clothing does not offend others or go against good manners.

Teachers reminded lower secondary pupils of the guidance earlier this week. Finland’s deputy chancellor of justice has previously ruled that a similar rule at another school was unlawful because it was too broad.

Principal Kimmo Salokangas said the school’s wording should probably be made more precise. He said the rule was taken directly from a 2016 guide published by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Salokangas said staff might intervene over inappropriate images or text on clothing, or in cases of clothing that is too revealing. He said such intervention was not common. He also said the school’s rules call for pupils to dress appropriately and suitably.

The issue was discussed in class on Monday. Some pupils told Yle that teachers had given detailed examples of clothing or exposed skin that could offend people. Some pupils felt staff should not interfere with their style, while others considered dressing more revealingly in protest against guidance they saw as too strict.

Ninth-grader Oona Selivaara said her class was told to avoid clothing that was too revealing and to consider what might be inappropriate. Salokangas said Monday’s class sessions covered school comfort and safety, with clothing among the topics.

Tags: Finland, education, school dress rules