Resolved complaint (200) about sex discrimination in education

About the complaint

The complainant’s son attends the respondent faith-based high school, which allowed female students to wear discrete stud earrings, but not male students. He alleged the school advised his son would be subject to disciplinary action if he continued to wear stud earrings.

The school denied discriminating against the complainant’s son, but indicated a willingness to participate in conciliation.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation. The school undertook to review its policy with regard to what jewellery students are allowed to wear in consultation with students and parents. Pending the outcome of the review, all students would be required to comply with the current policy. The school agreed to pay the complainant $41.

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