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The Issue with Schools Dictating Girls’ Wardrobe Choices
Once you become a parent, news stories that once flew under your radar suddenly seem to leap out at you, grabbing your attention in unexpected ways. As a mom to a soon-to-be school-aged daughter, I find myself increasingly drawn to a recurring theme that’s hard to ignore: young girls being yanked from class due to their clothing being deemed “distracting.”
This isn’t about a single incident but rather a troubling pattern. A teenage girl wakes up, picks out an outfit, and heads to school. Out of nowhere, she’s escorted to the principal’s office, told her attire is too distracting for the boys, and is sent home to change or have her parents bring in something more “appropriate”—perhaps a muumuu for good measure.
I get it—schools have dress codes. But often, the outfits that land these girls in hot water aren’t even in violation of any clearly defined rules. Instead, they seem to make the boys feel uncomfortable. So here’s my burning question: Why are girls being held accountable for the wandering eyes and thoughts of boys? Why must a young woman miss out on her education because a boy can’t focus on the lesson at hand?
Pulling girls out of class for their clothing choices sends several disheartening messages. For starters, they are labeled as a problem. It’s common knowledge that only troublemakers get sent to the principal’s office, so now this girl, who may have never been in trouble before, is branded as a rule-breaker. She’s also being told that her self-expression is acceptable only if it doesn’t make the boys uncomfortable.
I’m not talking about girls wearing scandalously short shorts; I’m referring to students in modest outfits, fully covered, yet still told that their attire is problematic. They’re learning that their wardrobe must cater to male comfort levels because, after all, men rule the world, and the girls must fall in line.
Equally troubling is the message that the education of male students is prioritized over that of their female peers. It’s never the boy who is taken out for a cold shower or a lap around the block to refocus. No, it’s the girl—because heaven forbid a boy be expected to control his focus, when it’s the girl distracting him, right?
These narratives contribute to a culture of victim-blaming and shaming. They teach young girls that they are less important than the boys, their thoughts and feelings taking a backseat. So, a high school sophomore gets pulled from class for wearing a shirt that supposedly makes a male student uncomfortable. It’s her fault he can’t concentrate; she’s the one responsible for his inappropriate thoughts.
Fast forward a few years, and that same girl is in college, potentially facing harassment or assault. She might be told it’s her fault for how she was dressed, being out late, or partying too hard. The lessons she learned in high school echo loudly: her worth is less than that of the men around her, leading her to silence and shame.
It’s time we start treating women equitably in our society. We need to teach girls that their education holds the same value as that of their male counterparts. They should feel empowered to express themselves and stand up for their rights. It’s crucial that we create an environment where their voices are heard and respected. Let’s keep them in the classroom, enabling them to learn, think, and ultimately change the world.
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In summary, we must advocate for a school environment that respects and values all students equally, regardless of gender. The time for change is now.