Victorian school apologises after disability-themed dress-up request draws criticism
Flinders Christian Community College in Victoria apologised after a fundraising event invitation suggested Year 8 students dress as “blind, lame, injured, etc.” The request drew criticism from people with disabilities, who said it risked reinforcing stereotypes and treating their lives as costumes.
The walkathon took place at the school’s Tyabb campus on 22 October, as part of a programme about Jesus’ miracles and showing compassion. The school said it intended to raise awareness and funds for people facing disability, illness and medical hardship, but that aspects of the event fell short of its expectations for dignity, respect and inclusion. It is reviewing how the event was planned, approved and communicated.
In short
- A Melbourne school apologised over its fundraising dress-up request.
- Critics said the theme risked reinforcing disability stereotypes.
- The school is reviewing its planning and inclusion practices.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Melbourne school hammered after ‘tone-deaf’ dress code for fundraising event asks people to ‘dress up as blind, lame and injured’”.