The inquiry occurred in March 2022 and was hosted in Gqeberha, with the participation of the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education, the Office of the Premier, associations representing independent and private schools, labour unions, tertiary institutions and parents, among others. During the inquiry, concerns were raised regarding genderneutral policies, regulation of hairstyles, particularly for black students and the accommodation of cultural symbols. The inquiry also exposed discriminatory practices against gender nonconforming pupils, which according to the SAHRC, contravened constitutional protections. "In summary, the submissions collectively advocated policies fostering diversity, inclusion, and constitutional values within South African schools, emphasising the need for an inclusive, adaptable, and rightsrespecting educational environment," reads the report. Participants also submitted that extreme measures, such as the "twofinger" hair policy for black boys and disciplinary actions for certain hairstyles or braids caused anxiety and stress. Complaints highlighted biases fig The commission emphasises reservations about the direct correlation between school uniforms and improved discipline or academic performance, underscoring the need for further research on this subject. rooted in Eurocentric norms, neglecting African hairstyles, which were historically stigmatised during apartheid. "Policing African students' hair is questioned, emphasising the need to critically examine such actions given the historical context!' reads the report. The commission questioned the lack of sound research supporting hair regulation, with concerns raised about the subjective nature of "neatness" standards and genderbased distinctions in hair length policies. Although participants submitted that school uniforms improved discipline and academic performance, the SAHRC said research results on the subject were inconclusive. "The commission emphasises reservations about the direct correlation between school uniforms and improved discipline or academic performance, underscoring the need for further research on this subject!' According to the commission, schools in South Africa maintain a strict binary approach to uniform policies, which reinforce gender stereotypes and misogyny. "These policies often regulate femininity, girlhood and sexuality, perpetuating patriarchal norms," reads the report. "Girls face detailed dress codes, including instructions on underwear, contributing to appearance policing. The binary approach excludes gender nonconforming learners, prompting concerns about discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community!' The commission has advocated genderneutral uniform policies, allowing pupils to dress according to their gender identity and expression. It also urged schools to refrain from stricter enforcement against gender nonconforming students. FINDINGS The commission found that there was no legitimate purpose for regulating hair length, applying different standards to male and female pupils, disallowing natural hair, enforcing genderstereotypical uniforms, regulating the colour of girls' hair and underwear, and treating appearance and uniform violations as disciplinary issues. The cost of school uniforms can be prohibitive, leading to a lack of access to education for some pupils. The regulation of girls' underwear invades girls' privacy and dignity, as there is no way to enforce it without grossly violating their rights. The policies were discriminatory as there are no references to policies or codes that prescribe boys' underwear. The enforcement of gendered school uniforms constitutes unfair discrimination, as it impairs human dignity, perpetuates stereotypes, and restricts pupils' rights to express their gender identity freely. Policing the length of boys' hair, while not applying the same approach to girls, constitutes an in fringement on the rights of boys to be treated equally. RECOMMENDATIONS The National Department of Basic Education and provincial departments have been given six months to audit all school codes to ensure pupils can express their culture, reli gion and beliefs. They should also conduct a baseline assessment to determine a cap on the costs of basic school uniforms. They must also amend the uniform guidelines to include the uniform report's findings. They must provide a report on addressing the recommendations, with clear timeframes and action items within six months. Although the commission acknowledges the role of SGBs and private school authorities, it emphasised the ultimate responsibility of the departments for compliance with human rights.

Source: The Citizen.