Menu
30/07/2012
Oxford Rules Change: Men Can Wear Skirts To Exams
Oxford University has rewritten its strict academic dress rules after proposals brought on behalf of transgender students.
Now students taking exams or attending formal occasions will no longer have to wear gender-specific ceremonial clothing – men will be able to wear skirts and women will be able to wear trouser suits with bow ties.
The new rules will come into force next week.
They follow a motion put forward by the university-wide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer society (LGBTQ Soc) and passed by the student union.
Jess Pumphrey of the LGBTQ Soc told the Oxford Student newspaper: "In future there will be no need for transgender students to cross-dress to avoid being confronted by invigilators or disciplined during their exam."
And Simone Webb of the society said the changes to academic dress – officially known as sub fusc – were "extremely positive" and "indeed long overdue".
She said: "I am of the opinion that it is possible to keep elements of tradition in this way while making them unrestrictive to trans students, genderqueer students, or students who wish to wear a different sub fusc to that which they'd be expected to wear."
A spokesperson for Oxford University confirmed that gender-queer regulations had been removed from the sub fusc guidelines, in response to concerns that existing rules "did not serve the interests of transgender students".
(NE)
Now students taking exams or attending formal occasions will no longer have to wear gender-specific ceremonial clothing – men will be able to wear skirts and women will be able to wear trouser suits with bow ties.
The new rules will come into force next week.
They follow a motion put forward by the university-wide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer society (LGBTQ Soc) and passed by the student union.
Jess Pumphrey of the LGBTQ Soc told the Oxford Student newspaper: "In future there will be no need for transgender students to cross-dress to avoid being confronted by invigilators or disciplined during their exam."
And Simone Webb of the society said the changes to academic dress – officially known as sub fusc – were "extremely positive" and "indeed long overdue".
She said: "I am of the opinion that it is possible to keep elements of tradition in this way while making them unrestrictive to trans students, genderqueer students, or students who wish to wear a different sub fusc to that which they'd be expected to wear."
A spokesperson for Oxford University confirmed that gender-queer regulations had been removed from the sub fusc guidelines, in response to concerns that existing rules "did not serve the interests of transgender students".
(NE)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2005
BMA seek pooled job applications for students
The British Medical Association (BMA) Medical Students Committee have called for a centralised body, through which graduates can apply for their first job.
BMA seek pooled job applications for students
The British Medical Association (BMA) Medical Students Committee have called for a centralised body, through which graduates can apply for their first job.
08 September 2004
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
17 October 2003
Top-up fees will discourage students from medicine: BMA
The BMA's Medical Students Committee has expressed concerns that top-up fees will discourage students - particularly those from working class backgrounds - from applying to medical school.
Top-up fees will discourage students from medicine: BMA
The BMA's Medical Students Committee has expressed concerns that top-up fees will discourage students - particularly those from working class backgrounds - from applying to medical school.
18 October 2005
Fee support for part-time students
Part-time students are to receive an increase in financial support under new plans announced by the government. Under the new plans, students studying at least 75% of a full-time course will be eligible to receive up to £1,125 – an increase from the previous maximum of £885.
Fee support for part-time students
Part-time students are to receive an increase in financial support under new plans announced by the government. Under the new plans, students studying at least 75% of a full-time course will be eligible to receive up to £1,125 – an increase from the previous maximum of £885.
26 July 2011
London Tube Stations Become Listed Buildings
Oxford Circus and Covent Garden are among 16 Underground stations given Grade II listed status today by Heritage Minister John Penrose, on the advice of English Heritage.
London Tube Stations Become Listed Buildings
Oxford Circus and Covent Garden are among 16 Underground stations given Grade II listed status today by Heritage Minister John Penrose, on the advice of English Heritage.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
