Contrary to popular belief, this petition has nothing to do with gender or anything else of that sort. This is about freedom of expression.

My voice as a member of the student body hasn't been heard. So now, after witnessing Mr. Sleva dress code two girls for their ripped jeans, I'm starting this petition. We, the students of Mars Area High School, refuse to stand for this ill treatment.

Rule 2: This rule is essentially saying that "buttocks" are distracting in a school environment through tight clothing. The fact of the matter is that if someone wants to look at another in that way, they will, regardless of what that person is wearing. It's human nature. This rule also calls attention to the fact that one is wearing tight pants without a long top, prompting more people to look.

Rules 3-5: Fingertip length is not an accurate measure for the appropriateness of attire, and should not be used as such. The length of one's arms and/or fingertips greatly impacts what a certain individual can wear, but has nothing to do with the appearance of the item of clothing itself. Not only that, but the length of one's arms and fingers varies from person to person, so what is considered "appropriate" for someone else may not be appropriate for another. Furthermore, the style of shorts that are longer are extremely difficult to find for young women, and many girls do not feel confident in this style of clothing. It is already difficult being a teenager. The last thing we should have to worry about is if our legs are too exposed.

Rules 8 and 11: I do not understand the scandal of wearing a tank top with thin straps. There is nothing inherently inappropriate about it. Furthermore, bare shoulders are no cause for being pulled out of class and told to change. Shoulders and thin straps are not inappropriate or disruptive to the school environment in my personal experience as a member of the student body. Never once has anyone in this day and age uttered, "Oh my, I'm so offended by his/her shoulders."

Rule 17: I understand the part of this rule that includes visible underwear not being school appropriate. However, I have found one issue with this rule. It states, "Any clothing through which...any type of undergarment can be seen..." From my understanding, this rule includes bra straps. It is no scandal that females must wear bras. They are necessary for comfort. I do not think anyone in this school has been distracted or offended by the sight of a bra strap. They are commonplace, not a dirty secret. Young women shouldn't be taught to be ashamed of something extremely normal such as this.

Rule 18: Again, I understand why most of this rule is in place. However, it states that "...satanic symbols and lettering..." Are not permitted. You must take into consideration that individuals of all walks of life go to this school. Religious symbols, such as pentagrams, may be considered "satanic" by the standards of certain people, but they are no different than wearing a cross. Banning these symbols specifically is discriminatory. These symbols in themselves are not evil, but it is the fault of stereotypes and superstition that makes them appear this way. By stating that these symbols are not school appropriate, it is furthering belief in these stereotypes. Our school should teach tolerance through allowing people to be themselves and to proudly bare an important piece of their individuality.

I have also noticed some other minor issues, such as spandex not being permitted. Spandex is no different than other tight materials, so the banning of spandex specifically makes no sense. Also, the dress code does not specify the extent of which a bandanna is not permitted, as well as the fact that wearing pants with slashes above the knee is no different than wearing "appropriate" shorts, as long as those slashes are not in inappropriate areas, which is not a difficult thing to specify.

Disciplinary Actions: Our education is more important than our outward appearance. It is not worth disrupting our learning just because our shorts are more than one inch above fingertip length. Not just our school dress code, but most school dress codes, could use serious reform. If a student chooses to dress the way they want, that is their choice. The only person who should have the right to interfere are the student's parents until the student has become an adult. The school does have a right to enforce the dress code, but it is also extremely important for us, as teenagers who are learning how to be our own individuals, to have the ability to express ourselves through the way we dress, regardless of what others around us may think or assume. It is all a part of growing up. Although it is important for us to learn respect and to obey reasonable standards, some of these standards could be considered unreasonable in today's society and should be adjusted to fit the needs of the student body.

These dress code standards are only pushing students to be ashamed of their bodies and what they believe in. Students should be respected regardless of how they dress. If you, as a teacher, look at a young, impressionable student and think they look provocative, maybe you're the one with the problem.

Our education is the most important thing while we're in school, and I'm sure you would agree. So why is it that we should have to miss class because you view our clothes as unacceptable for a list of unfounded reasons?

Dress codes are very important in school to maintain order. However, these dress codes should have limits, and right now, our dress code is unfair. I would like to use this petition as a gateway for us, as students, to have a say in the standards that we should have to follow.

Edit: It has been recently called to my attention that one girl was dress coded for having ripped leggings under a skirt. She was told to remove the leggings, which shows more skin. Knowing that I could be told to remove leggings from under my skirt makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. I do not feel safe in this school environment.

Another student has recalled that once she had to miss an entire science exam because of her ripped jeans. It's hypocritical. The dress code's purpose is to create a "non-disruptive" school environment, and yet, her whole exam was disrupted because of a few little rips in her jeans. Think about it. Which is more important?

The articles of clothing that we wear to school are completely normal, regular clothes that all teenagers wear. One could argue that the only reason these clothes are distracting is because they are prohibited in the dress code.

We all understand that the role of the dress code is to prepare us for the real world in a workplace that has a dress code. However, T-shirts are not appropriate in most workplaces and we are allowed to wear those. If you want us to prepare for a workplace, make us dress like school is a workplace. Banning random articles of clothing for invalid reasons and irrational belief that they are inappropriate has nothing to do with the real world.

It is our right to have the freedom to express ourselves.

Sincerely,

Your very determined students