The Federal Student Conference has criticized the Federal Parents' Council's recommendation for a dress code in German schools. “As a private person, I would perceive a dress code as patronizing,” said Secretary General Wiebke Maibaum to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). “A dress code, or in the most extreme case a school uniform, shifts the problems of social inequality,” she added.

The chairwoman of the Federal Parents' Council, Christiane Gotte, told the newspapers of the Funke media group: "We recommend schools to reach a consensus on a dress code." This should then also be included in the house rules. Then a violation would also have consequences. "Then you can send students home and ask them to dress properly." Mostly it is about "inappropriate, loose, torn or revealing clothing".

Criticism of indefinite choice of words

Maibaum is of the opinion that the dress code recommended by the Federal Parents' Council undermines self-determination and personal development and leads to more potential for conflict. She also criticized what she believed to be the Federal Parents' Council's vague choice of words: "Are ripped jeans forbidden, but mended trousers are okay for primary school children? What centimeter do you then agree on for a T-shirt length?" According to Maibaum, those most affected by such a dress code - teachers and students - are satisfied with the "status quo."

The German Teachers' Association had already criticized the Federal Parents' Council's proposal yesterday. “Finding a formulation that specifies how long a T-shirt can be is hardly possible,” said association president Stefan Düll to the Funke newspapers. It is a trend across society that clothing is becoming more casual. But it is also clear: "School is not a beach and not a club."