Graceville State School P&C accused of ‘extreme wokeism’ in sports uniform change

A Brisbane school P&C has been accused of “extreme wokeism” in a decision to remove early explorer names and logos from sport uniforms. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Graceville State School in Brisbane’s southwest

A Brisbane primary school parents’ association has been slammed for “extreme wokeism” after voting to remove house names and logos – representing early Australian explorers – from its sports uniforms.

Graceville State School Parents and Citizens’ Association approved the removal of its Cook, Flinders and Kennedy house names and logos from the sports uniform at a meeting earlier this year.

The houses retain the names, but they will not be shown on the uniforms.

Concerned parents not on the P&C feel blindsided by the decision, labelling it a “sports uniform takeover” on which they were denied a chance to vote.

“It feels like woke left-leaning parents (making) our children ashamed of our country and our history,” the parent said.

It’s the latest in a long line of uniform controversies in recent years, following The Gap State High School which cracked down on school shoes, and a uniform stoush at Kenmore State High School.

The parents said they only learnt about the decision through a uniform shop announcement in the school newsletter.

“In the last P&C meeting the motion to remove the house names and logos from the shirts was approved,” the March newsletter read.

“The teams’ colours will remain the same of red, blue and green.”

The parents claimed to have been denied an opportunity to vote on the changes.

“There was no prior heads-up of the upcoming motion or vote, no chance for concerned parents to have their say,” they said.

“They could have at least given us the option.”

A separate school newsletter in June suggested the old sports shirts would be discontinued.

“The new version of the house shirts have arrived in limited sizes and quantities, so you’re welcome to jump online to purchase or buy in-store,” it read.

“We also have some of the old-style shirts left in limited quantities.

“Children are of course still welcome to wear their current house shirts, and the remaining stock can still be purchased as usual until completely sold out.”

A Graceville P&C representative declined to comment and directed The Courier-Mail to the school itself.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said the school was aware of the parents’ concerns and would engage with the community on uniform matters.

The spokeswoman said decisions on student dress codes were made locally and in consultation with individual school communities and the P&C.

She said state schools had not been directed to remove house names or logos from their uniforms.