NJ school axes ‘cross-dressing’ fashion show

LONDON - An American school has come under fire after it asked boys of third standard to dress like females for a school activity.

The school in New Jersey sent a letter to the parents asking them to dress their eight-year-old boys as women-suggesting cheerleader outfits, poodle skirts and high heels for a fashions show.

The show at Maude Wilkins Elementary School was supposed to mark Women’s History Month, but sparked outrage from some mums, reports Sky News Online.

“My son was very upset,” said Janine Giandomenico. “He said, ‘Mommy, please don’t make me do this.’”

“I was just so outraged. I find it completely alarming that a school would do this,” added Stacy Bowen, a mother of two young children.

A 16-page pack was sent to student’s home, in which teacher Tonya Uibel clearly stated that all students in her third class must participate.

The bundle included suggestions of how students may dress, including fashions from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

“If your child is a young man, he does not have to wear a dress or skirt, as there are many time periods where women wore jeans, pants and trouser,” the pack said.

“However, each child must be able to express what time period their outfit is from.”

Students were later asked to draw a picture of a person wearing clothing of specific era.

The head teacher sent a letter to students home apologizing for “any confusion or frustration” and cleared the cancellation of program. (ANI)