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Marlborough Girls' College has agreed to review its school uniform policy following mediation by the Human Rights Commission.
Former student Megan Church complained to the commission about being barred from showing her amethyst crystal at school.
Under the current uniform guidelines Maori and pakeha students at the school are permitted to wear visible greenstone or bone taonga but other forms of jewellery must be worn out of sight.
A mediator facilitated discussions on the complaint between members of Megan's family, representatives from Marlborough Girls' College and the college's board of trustees chair, Bev Moore.
A commission spokesperson this morning said mediation was initiated because the complaint fell within its jurisdiction under the Human Rights Act but was not about finding out if anybody was in the wrong.
It was, however, agreed that the school's uniform policy would be reviewed by the school later this year and the commission would work closely with the college board to ensure the final policy was seen to be fair.
Marlborough Girls' College principal Greta Firth said such policies were reviewed regularly anyway, but it had agreed to move the process forward on this issue.
"A review means you agree to look at it. It might not be changed, but the board will look at it in good faith," Ms Firth said, adding the policy as it stood was still within legal guidelines.
Disputes resolution manager Mervin Singham said the discussion had been productive and the outcome was positive, even though the parties recognised they had differing opinions.
"Mediation under the Human Rights Act provides an opportunity for all parties to have their say. However it is not always possible to satisfy all those involved in the process.
"We commend schools that seek the views of local iwi in order to improve the well-being of Maori students, though it is also important that the cultural needs of students from other backgrounds are not forgotten. These policies need to be seen as fair.
"Schools are increasingly finding themselves in the position of needing to accommodate a diverse range of cultures.
"While this diversity is positive, allowing for it in uniform policy can be complex. The commission will provide information to schools grappling with this issue."
Megan, a year 12 student, is no longer attending Marlborough Girls' College and her mother, Marie Church, said it was unlikely she would return to the school in the future.
"I think (the review of uniform policy) would be too late by then. The whole performance would make it unlikely she would return and she's quite happy to study by correspondence."
The commission said the college had been providing advice and support to the Church family on Megan's continuing education.
Mrs Church welcomed the uniform review, but admitted it would be difficult for the school to distinguish between genuine cultural beliefs and fashion.
Ms Firth said as the cultural diversity of schools increased, it would get harder to make sure policies reflected that diversity and remained within the law.
She said the board's review of the uniform policy would hopefully be completed by the end of this year.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Education
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