Marlon Baldago 
To address the issue regarding the proper grooming and uniform policies raised by several transwoman students from the College of Education (CoEd), a consultative meeting organized by Samar State University’s Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN) concluded on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
The meeting was attended by four transwoman students, along with the acting dean of the college, Dr. Laura Boller, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS), Dr. Gina Españo, University Student Council (USC) President Joshua Ibajo, and other key university officials.
However, the decision of the administration was to adhere to the standing uniform policy of the university as per BOR Res. 21 s. 2018, which, according to them, assigns proper uniforms based on sex and not on gender. Although there are already existing measures for amendments or revisions to such a policy, it is still being processed and current standards shall remain in effect.
According to VPSAS Españo, “We have to follow the process, kasi an aton standing policy regarding uniforms, we have the board resolution [BOR Res. 21 s. 2018]… so, if there will be revisions of this, we have to follow the process, diri la nga agad-agad. So, if we talk about student teaching uniforms, college-based siya, so, didto ini ha College of Education.”
“The [CoEd Dean’s office] has not received any official document or a request for a consultative meeting regarding their requests… this issue or request should be formally presented to the particular office. Our concerned students have just sent… received informal messages,” said Dr. Boller on the legitimacy of the concerns raised by said students.
As such, all concerned parties agreed to a follow-up consultative meeting to specifically address the grooming and student teaching uniform policy of the mentioned college which is set to take place soon, after all necessary papers have been submitted and all schedules have been considered.
