Smithfield High School students are tired of the dress code disrupting their education. The school dress code states "Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable." If preventing interferences and distractions in the learning environment is the goal, why is Smithfield High School allowing their students to sit in the office all day instead of learning in class, all because of a shoulder showing? As a young woman in today's society, I feel we should be free to wear whatever makes us feel comfortable. 

A 14-18 year old girl's body showing is NOT a threat to anyone's education. While many may be thinking, "Well, the dress code applies to guys, too!" yes, it does, but I challenge you to read the dress code and then look in any average clothing store. Clothes targeted to young women include halter tops, tube tops, crop tops, tank tops with spaghetti straps, and backless blouses. It is almost impossible to find shorts targeted to young women that are "past fingertip," especially being that "finger tip length" is different on every body. Clothes targeted towards young men include big t-shirts and long shorts; men's tank tops are almost always made with 2-3 inch straps. Smithfield High School's dress code specifically targets young women's clothing and it is sexist.

One last thing I want to bring to attention is that our volleyball, field hockey, cross country (boys and girls), swim team, wrestling, and cheerleading uniforms violate the dress code that is currently in place.

Our dress code should be updated to reflect gender equality, 2021 fashion and clothing availability, and be fair across all body types.