we are asking for change to our school’s dress code, which unfairly targets and sexualizes girls. we are told to cover our bra straps and even shoulders because they’re “distracting,” while boys can sag their pants or wear revealing clothes without consequences, one day i had a male assistant principal come into my classroom and directly saying “girls, cover up”

i can say on all girls at highland middle schools behalf this is very sexist and sends the wrong message, that girls bodies are inappropriate and that it’s our job to control how boys behave, instead of punishing girls for what we wear, we should be teaching respect and equality.

we are asking for:

 • a fair, gender-neutral dress code

 • equal enforcement for all students

 • an end to body shaming and the sexualizing of girls.

our bodies are not distractions. we are here to learn, and we deserve to be treated with respect.