Moreton Bay College slammed for axing dates from girls formal

A top Brisbane school is under fire from parents and students over a controversial decision to ban dates from an upcoming Year 11 formal.

A popular private girls’ school has come under fire after the controversial decision to ban students from taking partners to their upcoming semi-formal.

Outraged parents and students of Moreton Bay College have launched a petition ­- which has already attracted more than 450 signatures - after the school’s Year 11 girls were told last week they would be attending this year’s formal solo.

One parent said with MBC’s associated school Moreton Bay Boys College reportedly allowing dates, it was a “ misogynistic move”.

“This is teaching young women from a young age that they will be treated differently due to their gender,” they said.

One unhappy student said “if I had a d**k they would let me bring a date”.

Moreton Bay College, 450 Wondall Rd, Manly West. AAP Image/Attila Csaszar

Another parent told The Courier-Mail the lack of consultation over the move had upset students and parents, and was a “double-standard” given the school preaches to the girls the importance of “independence and autonomy”.

“We have been waiting more than 11 years for this night,” she said.

“It really is such a special, momentous occasion, and they have this decision ripped away from them.

“The last two years have been challenging enough and they have missed out on so many things – school, social and sports events – to do this without any consultation, is just a disgrace.”

In a letter to parents sent yesterday, MBC said the move came after the “resounding success” of last year’s semi-formal, where partners were not permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Courier-Mail understands a number of students had already asked partners to the formal, which is set to be held in less than two months.

Moreton Bay College 450 Wondall Rd, Manly West.

Parents have taken to the petition to express their unhappiness with the decision, with one writing “pretty bad form they didn’t and wouldn’t consult the girls before they decided, they have given them no voice whatsoever and just shut them down, absolutely not fair”.

Another said single sex school formals were crucial opportunities for “learning from interactions” with the opposite sex.

“I completely understand why teachers would say the night would be more fun with just girls, because frankly it would be,” they said.

“However, the night isn’t just about having fun, it is about having those awkward interactions with boys and learning from those interactions.”

Another said the girls were missing out on a “rite of passage”.

“The students get two chances in 13 years to bring a male partner to a school event,” one parent told The Courier-Mail.”

“It’s so important to give them opportunities to mix and socialise with the opposite gender, because that’s real life.