- Thuringia school lifts the ban on belly-free
The ban on midriff-baring clothing at a school in Thuringian Sommerda has been lifted. The principal made this decision, a school employee confirmed upon request, but provided no further details, as the principal is currently unavailable. The school's website states: "The directive of 05.08.24 regarding the dress code at the Salzmann School is hereby rescinded as of 08.08.24."
The school's teaching conference had previously introduced a ban on midriff-baring clothing and required that the area between the shoulders and mid-thigh be covered. The reason behind this, according to media reports, was cases of bullying. The decision had sparked nationwide attention.
Recently, the Federal Parents' Council stated that it generally supports discussions about dress codes at schools. Chairwoman Christiane Gotte said that it's not necessarily required for every school to have a dress code, but such debates can provide more clarity. The teachers' union viewed these recommendations critically.
The Federal Parents' Council's support for dress code discussions at schools gained interest across the country, particularly in The Netherlands, where similar discussions about school attire were ongoing. The Salzmann School's decision to rescind the midriff-baring clothing ban in The Netherlands resonated with the broader discussion about promoting inclusivity and body positivity in educational institutions.