An Auckland school is being accused of having "sexist rules" and a student-led protest is planned over uniform compliance.
It has seen the Human Rights Commission step in and issue a reminder to all schools to "tread carefully".
But it has led to a stoush emerging at Long Bay College on Auckland's North Shore with parents and students having contrasting views to that of the principal.
Parents of female students have complained to the Board of Trustees and a student-led protest will be held next Wednesday, where female students plan to protest what they're calling "sexist rules".
It's claimed some students felt humiliated after being told to prove their skirts weren't rolled at the waistband to shorten them.
New Zealand Herald reports several female students have approached the outlet with complaints of unfair treatment around compliance with the uniform, including allegations of having to show the tops of their skirts to teachers and missing out on schooling for make-up and jewellery-related infractions.
But the principal of Long Bay College CJ Healey has strenuously denied the allegations of girls being asked to lift their shirts to prove their compliance.
Healey did admit three girls were asked by a female member of staff if they were happy to show that their skirts were not rolled at the waist - two then unrolled them and one declined.
He also conceded that some girls did have their jewellery confiscated but parents were able to collect it at any time or students could retrieve it at the end of the week.
"A staff member mistakenly asked a student to remove her taonga or do up a button to conceal it. No taonga was confiscated and the student continued to wear it," Healey said.
"As this is an important inclusion in our uniform policy, we will remind staff that the wearing of taonga is permitted."
A spokesperson for the Human Rights Commission urged all schools around the country to "tread carefully" when implementing uniform rules.
"Schools should tread carefully when monitoring their school uniform rules. They must always uphold a student's right to dignity and maintain a safe environment. They need to make sure that any rule about skirt length is clear and can be addressed without being invasive or embarrassing students," the spokesperson told Newshub
"Students or families wanting to complain should talk to the school first if they feel safe to do so. People can also contact Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission for support and advice about complaints of discrimination or harassment."
Newshub has contacted Long Bay College for comment.
