My name is Addison Helmer. I’m a sophomore at Dekalb High School. I'm very passionate about the school dress code considering I have been dress-coded and know many people that this has affected. I think a change needs to be made to the dress code. There are many parts of the dress code that I do agree with like vulgar graphic t-shirts and shorts such as spandex and obviously anything that can lead to injury. But on the other hand there are many things I disagree with. Such as the no leggings rule unless you are wearing something that is fingertip length. Everyone has different sized arms and so it's not a good way to determine whether the clothing item is “appropriate” for school or not. Leggings, jeggings, and yoga pants are a comfortable option for women to wear. Being comfortable at school is more important than whether we are distracting the male students or not. It is not a womens job to please men and adjust the way they dress to fit the needs of the opposite gender. Ripped jeans that have holes above the finger tips are not prohibited in school. The problem that I see with this again is the fact that no one's arms/fingers are the same length, some are longer or shorter than others making this a nonvalid measurement. Holes that are above the fingertips are deemed inappropriate because of the thigh. There is absolutely no reason this should be the case. Thighs are not an inappropriate part of the body. They shouldnt be sexuallized considering both male and females have them. I also see a problem in the “ Four Benefits of a Dress Code'' The first benefit states “Proven to increase student achievement by encouraging students to concentrate more on their studies and less on their wardrobe.” The way a person chooses to express themselves has absolutely no relation to whether or not they are going to focus on their academics more or less than their wardrobe. The restriction of a dress code brings more stress to myself and others on whether they are going to meet the “Appropriate” way to dress deemed by the school. Not only does being dress coded take time away from class time it also is embarrassing not being able to wear something that you like and expresses your personality. The fourth Benefit States,”Promotes a more serious school atmosphere which emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior.” I didn't think it was possible for the dress code to “emphasize” academics. The way you choose to dress has no effect on academics. Sexuliziing pieces of clothing that are worn everyday in the “real world” not only by students but also staff members and saying that is to promote good behavior is absurd and unreasonable. Good behavior has absolutely nothing to do with what you're wearing. Good behavior is a choice and that choice doesn't include what someone chooses to express themselves with. Now we have been brought to the topic of shirts and tank tops. Tank tops aren't prohibited. I bet we can all agree that it gets hot in late summer months. There is absolutely no reason that tank tops with thicker straps shouldn't be allowed. There is nothing inappropriate about a shoulder. Us women aren't dressing for success, we are dressing to be not deemed as a distraction to men. It is not a womens job to please and adjust their clothing choices for the comfort of their peers. Maybe it should be taught to stop sexulaizing unsexual body parts that are completly normal. Or to teach men to respect women. There are better things to do rather than dress code people that are just trying to be comfortable and express themselves in a way they see fit. Most of the clothing that these said people are wearing are bought by their parents. An adult that shouldn't be worried about what the student is wearing is dress coding an article of clothing that is approved by the students parents. Academic success should have nothing to do with a style of clothing that the student is wearing. When dress coding a student you are not only wasting classroom time but bringing down the self esteem of students. I’m not looking for a allimanation of the dress code but a change. Such as the fingertip rule removed and the ability to wear ripped jeans with holes above the fingertips with the exception of holes in inappropriate places such as the behind of the pants also the ability to freely wear leggings, yoga pants, jeggings, and athletic shorts without the covering of a shirt to the fingertips. Thank you for reading!  Please sign my petiton to help me make a change in my schools dress code! 

Sincerely, Addison Helmer