A Wicklow school who will allow boys to wear skirts in new gender-neutral uniform rules has been hit with "a few negative calls" since the news was announced.
St Brigid's National School in Greystones have decided to change the uniform policy after the student council put forward an idea and parents and management gave it the nod.
The news has been met with a largely positive reaction as the students' idea aims to make everyone feel welcome at the school - but some trolls have been ringing the office from "mostly" anonymous numbers to criticise it.
Chairperson of the Board of Management Tom Sherlock also said only one parent complained that they weren't informed - but the school was able to prove he was.
He told The Irish Independent: "We have had a few negative phone calls, mostly from anonymous callers, and we did have a phone call from a parent complaining that he was not told of the change, but we were able to show that parents were notified".
"The vast bulk of our parents have been hugely supportive. There will always be people who will be opposed to this, that is for sure, but what is most important is that even one student feels more comfortable now."
Under the new rule kids can dress in line with the gender they identify and it's hoped the new measure will help everyone feel accepted.
Principal Maire Costello said some children question their sexual identities from an early age and they want to make sure everyone has "a happy experience" in the school.
She told The Irish Times: "If that means girls wearing trousers or boys wearing skirts, so be it. The most important thing is that children should feel comfortable and happy over how they are dressed.”
From September girls will be allowed to wear grey trousers and boys will be allowed to don the tartan skirt if they prefer either.
The school will also be taking the gender signs off toilet doors.
