Dress codes are stupid and sexist

Dress Code disproportionately targets Girls. It sexualizes their body and teaches them from a young age that their bodies are objects that need to be hidden, and that showing skin is skimpy and inappropriate. Dress codes teaches girls that they need to hide themselves to avoid being in an unsafe or inappropriate situation, instead of teaching the guys to behave themselves and act like decent human beings. Schools should not be teaching girls how to “protect” themselves, a girl shouldn’t even have to “protect” herself because they should be teaching guys how to control themselves. Changing clothes and being forced to put a jacket on takes time out of many girl’s educational time. 
A young girl’s education should be valued. The world needs to teach men more about how to control themselves instead of blaming women for men’s actions. Sometimes it is super hot in school. Why can the girls not wear tank tops and shorts? Lake Jackson Intermediate School will not let any shoulder show. Dress Code just limits the number of clothing students can wear. They prevent many students from expressing themselves.  Dress Code limits the number of clothing students can wear. They prevent many students from expressing themselves through what they want to wear. It makes students less confident and more vulnerable to bullies because their self esteem is low. We should be able to decide what we want to wear, what we feel comfortable in, what we feel confident in, because it is our bodies. It is our choice what we want to show not yours. And if God forbid we show a shoulder then we show a shoulder because its our bodies our choice. The guys can wear tank tops, but the girls can’t wear tank tops.
The guys can take off their shirt and somehow avoid getting dress coded but a if a girl shows her shoulders or stomach that’s a huge problem.
Girls have to wear shorts that are fingertip length. But the guys are wearing short shorts. Of course we would need boundaries. We can't have students showing up in booty shorts and a sports bra, or a bathing suit or something crazy like that, but we should still be able to show skin, like our shoulders, our legs, and even some parts of our stomach. Whatever we feel comfortable in because it is our bodies. I would kill to be able to come to school in shorts and a tank top, and I know a lot of girls would too.

Everyone deserves the right to wear clothes that make them feel comfortable and confident without judgment or punishment. Our bodies, our choice. Schools should be institutions of learning and respect, not environments that promote shame and inequality.

Let's advocate for change at Lake Jackson Intermediate School. It's time to end these outdated dress codes and instead focus on fostering a school culture that respects all students equally. Sign this petition to support a fair and equal dress policy that allows students to express themselves without fear of discrimination or disciplinary action. Let's teach respect over shame.