School policy that leaves many students outraged
Most schools either have mandatory uniforms or a dress code, such as, the length of shorts and skirts, tank tops, rips on jeans, and the amount of skin that can be shown on campus. All students who violate the policy may be subject to disciplinary action. There is a tremendous amount of controversy over the harshness of the guidelines and the message it sends to adolescents.
The main argument is that the rules target young adolescent women instead of men. Consequently, making girls insecure and ashamed about their bodies, and that it teaches them that they need to cover up and hide. Tenth grader Breonna Gandhi stated, “I think it is unnecessary because my shoulders are not inappropriate, so it is annoying that I cannot show them. It is unfair and biased towards females but nonchalant to males.” She felt like the code is punishing young girls for their growing bodies and having curves.
On the contrary, many believe that it is a necessity that promotes obedience. Uniforms are said to be the better alternative because it could prevent bullying and physical harm. While it has been proven to protect students from gang-related complications, the prevention of bullying has been debunked. “I feel like there should be a dress code to set some rules. However, it’s too strict and their view of what’s actually distracting is distorted and seems unreasonable,” stated sophomore Bryson Cheatwood.
People all around the world are protesting against school dress codes and accusing them of perpetrating rape culture because it over-sexualizes girls. Some have made posters calling the dress codes sexist and biased, arguing that girls should be able to wear shorts and tight clothes without worrying about men lusting over them. An abundance of people globally are passionate and determined about disbarring the dress code.
Not only are the guidelines accused for misogyny, but also for racist and sometimes homophobic bias. For example, according to Time.com, “The parents of a 12-year old African American student said she was threatened with expulsion for refusing to cut her naturally styled hair. Her mother was told she violated school dress codes for being “a distraction.” This statement supports the main argument against the guidelines.
It seems that this topic will never be just cut and dry.
