Impact of Uniform, Grooming, And Haircut Policies on Diverse Gender Characteristics and Pregnant Students in one State College of Bicol Region: Basis for Policy Improvement

Abstract

The impact of school policies on uniforms, grooming, and haircuts have a major influence on the day today experiences, identity, and wellbeing of the students. This study intends to determine the impact of uniform, grooming, and haircut policies on with diverse gender characteristics and pregnant students in one state college of Bicol Region, providing evidence as a basis for more inclusive and equitable policy improvements. Using a quantitative approach with 2,426 students, the majority are 20 years old and below, female, single, heterosexual, and mostly cisgender, feminine, and with a family monthly income of less than Php 20,000.00. The findings indicate that the existing policies have an impact on the physical, psychological, academic, social and economic wellbeing of students. The challenges experienced are discomfort with gendered clothes, religious and cultural issues, and strict implementation of prescribed school uniform. Peer support and negotiation are the most commonly used coping mechanisms but they are not adequate to address the challenges. The findings indicate that there is the need to have inclusive and flexible policies which observe gender diversity and pregnancy needs. Recommendations involve the need to come up with gender-neutral and maternity-friendly uniforms, developing gender-awareness activities, and establishing policy review on a continuous basis. These inclusive practices can foster equity, safety, and wellbeing and wider implementation of equitable policies in educational institutions.