I am a resident of Spotsylvania, VA and a plus-sized woman. I have personally experienced how our current dress code unfairly targets individuals like me. It is time for us to change this outdated policy that promotes body shaming and discrimination.

The dress code in our community has been designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which does not take into account the diversity of body types among residents. This has led to many people feeling uncomfortable and singled out due to their size.

According to the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), such discriminatory policies can lead to negative psychological effects including low self-esteem and depression. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association reports that weight discrimination can lead to harmful health consequences.

Optimism is a key element of self-esteem. 1 in 3 high school students in the USA experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, an increase of 40% since 2009. 4 in 5 teenage girls are unhappy with their body and are afraid of becoming obese. 30% of teen boys want to gain weight to appear more ‘muscly’.
We need a dress code that respects all body types and promotes inclusivity rather than discrimination. We are calling on local authorities in Spotsylvania, VA to revise our current dress code policy so it is fair for everyone regardless of their size or shape.

There is a strong association between low self-esteem and negative mental health in young people. Teens with low self-esteem are at greater risk of engaging in health-compromising behaviours such as substance abuse, early sexual activity, and eating problems. Children and adolescents with poor self-esteem are also more likely to develop mental health issues such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. One 2006 study found that teenagers with low self-esteem were 1.26 times more likely to develop depression by age 26 than other young people, and 1.6 times more likely to develop anxiety.

We are Spotsy High and we deserve to represent ourselves our way. We deserve to be who we are without people restricting us. 

At this point I realize this is a nation wide issue and its not fair if it's just spotsy that gets the change, I want everyone to be able to have a choice. This is our bodies and our choice don't let the administration dictate what we wear! Men and woman alike deserve to have a right to wear what they want. what does it matter if Chad wears a skirt or if Vanessa wears a crop top. Clothes don't hurt people people hurt people. #FreeWomansChoice 

https://www.theyarethefuture.co.uk/teen-self-esteem-statistics/#:~:text=Teen%20Self%2DEsteem%20Statistics%3A%20USA&text=1%20in%203%20high%20school,are%20afraid%20of%20becoming%20obese.