School custodian Ulf Byström from Gothenburg was refused to wear his Hawaiian shirts at work.
Then he resigned in protest.
– I thought the debate was at such an incredibly low level.
Ulf Byström has worked for a long time in the world of schools. Both as a teacher and as a caretaker. Most recently as a janitor at Hvitfeldtska gymnasium in Gothenburg, which he has now resigned from because he was not allowed to dress the way he wanted.
– I was told that I should wear my work clothes. Then I said no thanks, and chose to wear a Hawaiian shirt anyway. We would wear black so that the warden would be seen better.
Wanted to support the girls
Being able to dress in whatever you want is very important to Ulf, and goes way back in time.
– It started when I worked as a crafts teacher, and had very small girls and boys. The guys were usually in front of me like a group of monkeys while the girls were in the background. In order for the girls to feel good, I started wearing clothes that said “girl power” on them, and a lot of pink, to be able to lift up the girls in the class. It worked well.
Manifestation awaits
Many have been upset that the feud has gone so far that Ulf has been forced to resign. During Friday, a demonstration awaits at Hvitfeldska gymnasium – to the joy of the Hawaiian shirt. The hope is that both teachers and students will wear Hawaiian shirts to support Ulf.
– The students have become upset, to my great joy. Even teachers and management have been very angry about this. Today will be a fantastic manifestation.
Ulf Byström doesn’t really know where life is going now, but he has been contacted by a couple of schools for work. In any case, he knows what type of workplace he wants to work at.
– I want to work in a workplace where there is tolerance for shirts. Instead of black and squares, I prefer round shapes and flowers.