More Than Just a Distraction

Dress codes in schools: how far is too far?

All of these statements are heard far too often by young women in middle and high schools. Why is it that teachers and administrators feel the need to “protect” girls from being seen as sexual objects? The truth is, they are only making matters worse. Sexism should be taken out of dress codes to make sure that girls are not shamed for their clothing choices, young girls are not objectified, and school rules have an important reasoning behind them as to how they help the students.

First of all, pulling a female student out of class to make her change her attire to fit the requirements of the dress code is shameful and embarrassing for the student when she returns to class. For a girl to come back to class wearing a completely different outfit than she was beforehand, such as baggy khaki pants that don't fit properly or an oversized tee shirt that extends past her knees, can exponentially embarrass a student. This kind of treatment instills in both male and female students that if a woman is not clothed in proper attire, she is not worthy of respect and can therefore be subject to the judgement of others on her apparel.

In addition, dress codes target girls. Numerous people say that if a boy was wearing leggings or something else against dress code, he would be treated the same way as a girl. Although, due to gender norms in our society, most adolescent males would not desire to wear the clothing items marketed to adolescent females in fear of humiliation. Therefore, most dress code regulations target female students. As an administrator at Noe Middle School explained, “When young girls wear these things to class, they distract the boys from focusing on their work. They are just too provocative.” This statement suggests that girls must conceal their bodies to protect young mens’ learning environments. It puts boys on a higher level than girls and supports the assumption that men are superior to women. This can be very harmful to a girl’s self esteem and to a degree, invalidates the century long fight for gender equality.

Finally, there is no clear reasoning behind dress codes. Four interviews with various teachers and administrators revealed that even the people enforcing the rules can’t think of a purpose for them. Mrs. Ellison, a teacher here at Noe Middle School said, “How does it benefit the students? I’m not real sure, because it seems like our dress code is set up so that girls aren't a distraction. Does it benefit the boys? I don't know.” Similarly, after surveying several teachers and administrators, a shocking 80% said that the current rule on leggings should be loosened or abolished and many said that the rule didn't serve a purpose. Another teacher explained, “It helps the students because it’s better than having uniforms. When I was a kid we had uniforms at school, and so do a lot of schools here now. I bet you can’t find three schools here in Louisville that have a dress code and not a uniform code.” Although, this explanation doesn't say how the dress code itself benefits the students, only that it could be worse. Some dress code regulations have real benefits, like the rule against attire with profanities on them. That kind of clothing does not belong in a place of learning. A form-fitting pair of pants doesn't affect one’s place of learning. If it does happen to inhibit a young man from learning, it is not the girl’s fault for wearing clothing she enjoys, rather it is the boy's fault for not focusing on their work. Another way that people defend dress codes is that they prepare students for professions in the future. It is true that you need to look professional for a job, but school is not a job. Sweatpants and sweatshirts are allowed, even though they are not apparel to be worn to a job in an office. Many offices don't even allow jeans to be worn, but we can wear all of these things to school. We come to school to learn math and science, not how to dress for a career.

In conclusion, dress code sexism needs to be stopped. These regulations shame girls for the clothing choices, objectify girls, and don't serve a real purpose. Being able to wear clothing we feel comfortable in is a basic right not just for adults, but for students too. We need to stand up for our rights and not let anyone forget that girls are more than just distractions.

#OrliFeder #AllieSenn