My Daughters quest for learning shot down I'm not one to vent online, I don't really see the...

LaLumieri · 51-55, F

Yes it happened to me. In high school I was put in a economics class instead. My father was a self-taught mechanic and I wanted to be able to make him proud and learn some things on my own. I was truly disappointed when I was told just like your daughter that it was not for girls especially at that time It was the very late '80s I'm even more upset for your daughter because we are now in 20s and I would think in this day and age all across the board everyone should be given a chance. Kudos to her for the initiative and for trying and to you for being supportive

jehova · 36-40, M

Me no but one of my offspring yes a son had been interested primarily in baking and sewing. More specifically clothing repair upholstery and bread making, but hadn’t communicated their interest in these skills for utility and survivability. I’m in New York so no big deal but initially one of his fav and trusted teachers stressed the femininity associated with those things and encouraged him to do welding and tech instead. It ended up being fine.

bijouxbroussard · F

Yes. I wasn’t allowed to take woodshop classes, even though my father had taught me how to put together cabinets and it was something I enjoyed doing. They told me ”it was a class for boys” and "not something” I ”needed to learn".

The difference, however was that this was in 1973, over 50 years ago ! It was sexism then, and it’s still sexism, which is amazing. Like your daughter, I was lucky enough to have a father who was encouraging and had the items needed at home.

Ynotisay · M

If you were inclined, and it's a public high school, you could bring them to their knees. What they did is illegal. It's discrimination. And it's messed up.
That said, I liked hearing that your daughter keeps hurdles she's facing to herself. That's a good quality and will serve her well in life.

Zaphod42 · 51-55, M

That’s insane! Even in the backwoods town in Arkansas, I grew up in, there were a bunch of girls in the auto shop class I took.

What you have right there is a very easy open and shut case of discrimination.

Massageman · 70-79, M

Once when looking for a position, I was told that if I were a black female, they could place me "in a second". Skills and suitability for a post/position/job are often dwarfed by BS "requirements". In 7th and 8th grade, we had Home Mechanics. 1 semester each of sewing (machine), cooking, woodwork, and electronics. My parents had already taught me cooking, typing, machine sewing. My grandfather had already taught me work working and electronics. Most boring class ever. I hope your daughter becomes a skilled, integral part of your business- if she wants.

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4meAndyou · F

Yes, a LONG time ago. Girls elective courses were always Home Economics...sewing and cooking. Boys got to take woodworking and auto shop.

FreeorLonely · 51-55, F

Wow! I thought all schools were out of the 1950’s! That’s absolutely absurd.

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

Disgraceful. I suppose this is where the 'stop DEI' nonsense ends up. In the UK it would be illegal. In 'the land of the free' apparently not.

Sharon · F

The school's attitude is beyond reprehensible. Are there sex discrimination laws in your country? That school deserves to be sued out of existence and those who put that policy in place and enforced it, nailed up.