Another week brings yet another instance of a dress code that unnecessarily shames young women. It seems we’re doing a stellar job of promoting self-esteem among our girls here in the U.S. Take a look at the dress code for the end-of-year awards ceremony at Biglerville High School in Pennsylvania.
The guidelines read: “Ensure that ‘the girls’ are adequately covered and supported, avoiding anything too revealing. Remember, we don’t want to see any ‘sausage rolls,’ as Mrs. Smith puts it. Also, keep in mind that you can’t fit 10 pounds of mud into a five-pound sack.” Quite frankly, I disagree — I manage it all the time!
Senior Rachel Johnson shared this letter on her Facebook, expressing her discomfort, saying, “This should be a place where we feel safe and comfortable. To receive a letter like this from the administration is shocking.” The school later stated, “While we regret the unfortunate wording in the document, we respect all students and hope this doesn’t overshadow the dignity of the graduation ceremony and the achievements of our graduating class.”
This letter takes dress code issues to a new level. Young women are already prone to body image issues, and now they must worry about being labeled as having “sausage rolls.” It’s worth noting that around 90% of individuals with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. For those who believe such a letter is insignificant, it’s time to reconsider.
Women are frequently made to feel ashamed of their natural bodies. Let’s remember that the recipients of this message are 18-year-old women who are about to embark on their journeys into adulthood. They deserve respect and the freedom to express themselves, including how they choose to dress.
Typically, schools target outfits like spaghetti straps, shorts that are above the knee, and anything deemed “too tight.” As someone who developed early, I can assure you that finding clothes that fit well in stores aimed at teenagers is no easy task. If you don’t fit into a specific body type, nearly anything you wear may be deemed “immodest.” It’s absurd.
The obsession with modesty needs to take a backseat, especially during events that celebrate young women’s accomplishments.
For more insights on navigating this topic, consider reading about home insemination options at this link. Additionally, check out Make a Mom for authoritative resources on home insemination. For more comprehensive information, visit Resolve for excellent guidance on family-building options.
In summary, the dress code at Biglerville High School has sparked controversy for its body-shaming language directed at graduating seniors. Young women are already facing pressures regarding their appearance; they shouldn’t have to deal with additional scrutiny from school administration during a time meant for celebration.