The dress code at Hofius Intermediate School is unfair and very unrealistic. Students want to express their style through their clothing but the dress code is too strict to express anything. We can't show our shoulders and knees and why because we will “distract” the boys. So we need to cover up instead of teaching the boys to stop objectifying women. We can't wear tank-tops or shorts higher than mid thigh even when it is 95 degrees outside and guys can walk around with shorts and nobody says anything. It would be super easy to change the dress code to make it more inclusive and not sexualize girls for showing their shoulders or thighs.

We are not allowed to wear shorts because it “isn’t professional”. You can wear shorts and “dress for success”. Nothing about legs should mean that someone is suddenly unsuccessful. Let's also keep in mind that it's hot most of the school year since we live in Texas and expecting girls to consistently wear pants is, once again, ridiculous. Also, I'm at school to learn, and if I want to succeed and pursue my dreams in shorts so be it. 

By making these rules you are objectifying girls. You make it seem as if by showing skin on our legs or, god forbid, our shoulder. We are welcoming guys or trying to tempt them. We are also minors and it's crazy that you’re looking at them and telling them their shorts are too short.

So, why do I have these concerns? Because I have one concern and that is school. I want to learn and I need to feel comfortable and jeans, for me, is not it. Running shorts are comfortable and even more so when paired with a hoodie. It is not inflammatory, distracting, or ill-fitting. 

No one is remembered for staying quiet when they know something is wrong. Students should be able to speak their minds and school should be a safe place to learn without concerns over whether my shoulder is causing guys to pass out in the halls.