I am a student in Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), and I've noticed an issue that affects many of us, especially girls. We are constantly being dress coded for simply expressing ourselves through our clothing. Why can't our jeans be ripped? Why can't our shoulders be free?

The current FWCS dress code is restrictive and outdated, often disproportionately affecting female students who just want to wear what they feel comfortable in. According to the National Women's Law Center, school dress codes have been found to disproportionately target girls, particularly those from racial minorities or with larger body sizes.

In addition, research has shown that strict dress codes do not necessarily improve academic performance or behavior. A study by the National Association of Secondary School Principals found little correlation between school uniforms or strict dress codes and improved student outcomes.

We believe it's time for a change. We propose a more inclusive and fair policy that respects students' rights to express themselves while maintaining an appropriate learning environment. This would involve revising the current guidelines on clothing such as ripped jeans and shoulder-baring tops.

We urge FWCS administrators to review and reform the current dress code policies so they better reflect our diverse student body's needs and values of individual expression over conformity.

School dress codes may reflect the strict and harmful view that girls' bodies are inherently vulgar or inappropriate, that boys will be "distracted" and that appearance requires more regulation than that of boys.

Public school dress codes that ban "'cleavage" or "bra straps" - or impose restrictions on the length of skirts are often targeted against girls and invite unnecessary and excessive policing of girls' bodies in schools.

The ACLU has expressed concerns about potential discrimination where a school-targeted dress code sweeps against female students. (Thankfully not in FWCS as far as I know, but the dress code being targeted towards girls is unacceptable.)

Public schools can have dress codes, but federal law says dress codes can't treat boys and girls differently. That means that schools can't create a dress code based on the stereotype that girls wear some types of clothes and boys wear other kinds of clothing.

Students should be informed of their rights so they can speak out if there are violations. And school administrations must reexamine their dress codes to ensure that they do not violate students' civil rights and liberties.

I have come to this notice that this may not just be in FWCS but possibly even a national problem. Woman's rights all around the world are being taken away. I thought school was meant to be a "Safe place" but all there is, is shame. Please help me spread woman and girl's rights around to be heard. Not just FWCS But nationally too. 

Please sign this petition if you support a more inclusive and expressive FWCS dress code!