Ladies and gentlemen, one of the poster children for the No campaign, Cory Bernardi...
Craigburn Primary School’s ‘wear a dress’ fundraiser blasted by Senator Cory Bernardi, but comments hike donations
UPDATE: AN Adelaide primary school’s “wear a dress day” has been labelled absurd by Senator Cory Bernardi — but his comments backfired, pushing the fundraiser far above its $900 goal.
Matt Smith
The AdvertiserSEPTEMBER 21, 201710:11AM
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One school in SA now has 'wear a dress day'. This gender morphing is really getting absurd
#auspolhttp://blogs.craigburn.sa.edu.au/blog/2017/09/19/doing-it-in-a-dress-casual-day-fundraiser/ …
5:07 PM - Sep 20, 2017
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The leader of the Australian Conservatives and a vocal supporter of traditional marriage has questioned the timing of the fundraiser.
South Australia’s Education Minister Susan Close defended the decision, saying the student-led fundraiser had nothing to do with the debate about marriage equality.
Senator Bernardi this morning said it was “entirely inappropriate” and “bordering on the absurb”.
He told
The Advertiser he did not understand why the tradition of casual dress day had suddenly become “wear a dress to school day”.
“In the midst of a debate about the safe school gender ideology program, the redefinition of marriage and attempts to de-genderise society it seems this school is playing into a political cause rather than an educational one,” Senator Bernardi said.
Cory Bernardi speaks at the Coalition for Marriage’s anti-same-sex marriage campaign event in Adelaide on Tuesday. Picture: AAP/Matt LoxtonSource:News Corp Australia
“Why are we suddenly encouraging boys and male teachers to wear a dress?”
Senator Bernardi’s comments have driven people to pledge money to the fundraiser, with prominent gay ABC comedian Josh Thomas tweeting his support and a
link to the fundraising page.
The original goal was $900, but at 11.30pm SA time, it was more than $16,000, and by 8.30am this morning it more than $20,000.
Thomas confirmed to
The Advertiser he’d donated $2000.
Parents of children at the school have taken to social media to back the fundraiser.
Writing on the
Craigburn Connections blog, Rob Walker said:
“Great way to have a bit of fun while raising awareness & funds for African kids!
(from a former School Councillor & dad of 3 Craigburn kids!)”
And Mark Sansome agreed: “What an amazing lesson for the kids! The power of social media wins and a great fundraising effort. Well done Craigburn, so proud of my kids school.”
Nicola Cornish wrote: What a fantastic charity and a great opportunity for our children to learn about those less fortunate than themselves. Must admit I am looking forward to seeing the dresses!!”
Ms Close said Senator Bernardi’s comments were ridiculous and incorrect.
“Craigburn Primary School is raising money to help girls in Africa have access to education,” Ms Close said.
“The funds will go towards books and other resources.
“This is a student-led initiative and is completely unrelated to the current marriage equality debate.
“Senator Bernardi should check his facts before incorrectly naming and shaming a school undertaking charity work.”
A school blog post promoting the fundraiser was deleted shortly after
The Advertisercontacted the Education Department late Wednesday afternoon, but was put
back up online later in the evening.
The blog post said for a gold coin donation all the staff and students will be wearing a dress to school. “Of course, it you don’t feel comfortable wearing a dress you can just come in casual clothes,” the post said.
“The main thing to focus on is raising as much money as possible.”
Craigburn Primary caters for 500 students, mainly from Flagstaff Hill, Aberfoyle Park and Coromandel Valley, in Reception to year 7.
