There is a lot of concern in our public schools these days, from poor academics, performance, school violence and decreasing attendance. One that should not be at the top of a list of concerns is how strict our dress code is, it has nothing to do with any problems listed above, but seems to have more attention then the things that need improvement! 

When applying a very strict dress code that Suwannee county schools have placed this year hinders our children's decision making skills. When you don't let a child decide what to wear, you are taking away their right to make a choice for them selves. This can disrupt their ability to form their own opinions or make choices and interfere with transition into adult hood! 

It hinders individuality and freedom of expression. By not allowing kids to show individuality through dress, can make a child feel oppressed and discourage them from developing their own personality! As they start to develop their own opinions- not letting them express at a young age can breed resentment towards the school and faculty! 

The dress code for suwannee county schools is outrageous! Students are losing critical class time simply for what they are wearing! The schools are making it out as if what we wear is more important then what we think and learn! No one should have to forfeit their education because shoulders being exposed, dime sized holes in their pants, rips with patches behind them, leggings being worn under shorts, skirts and dresses, fringes on the bottom of their jeans because the parents can't afford a new pair for a simple wear....  Sadly the list goes on! Almost 25% of Suwanne county lives in poverty and can not afford a new pair of pants for every little tear! 

By telling girls they can't show their shoulders because it distracts boys is a form of victim blaming! Telling a girl her natural body is unacceptable in school can cause her to shame her own body! We should be teaching our children to love them selves and their body! Not shaming them! The schools are also implying boys do not have control over their own emotions and hormones when they clearly do! We are all responsible for our own decisions and actions! 

As we agree there should be a dress code! Not as strict as it is! But the dress  code should be more gender neutral! We should go back to the finger tip rule for the shorts, no R rated shirts, leggings treated as tights, no midriff shown, no undergarments shown and 3 finger (2 inch) rule for tank tops.

These rules should apply to male and female students AND school faculty! Girls should not wear crop tops and boys should have to wear a shirt at all times as well! 

If you are one of the many parents who agree with making our dress code more acceptable! Please help by signing this petition and showing the Suwanne county school board they have taken our dress code way out of hand!