Hi-  I’m Annie Goldrick, 7th grader. I’m sure we’ve all seen the new Masterman dress code by now, which requires that we wear knee length shorts and no sleeveless shirts, among other things that are sexist and unreasonable especially in such a hot environment. I’m sure many of you agree with me when I say it’s time to change our dress code to a newer, inclusive one.

I propose a modern dress code focused on safety, not how others view girls and find them ‘distracting’.

Specifically I recommend Masterman adopt a code focused on “minimum safe attire” created by Portland Public Schools and approved by the National Organization of Women: 

“(a) Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and shoes.
(b) Shirts and dresses must have fabric in the front and on the sides (under the arms).
(c) Clothing must cover undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded).
(d) Fabric covering breasts, genitals and buttocks must be opaque.
(e) Hats and other headwear must allow the face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the face and ears to be visible to school staff.
(f) Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, wood shop, and other activities where unique hazards exist. (g) Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

The dress code further clarifies prohibitions on attire or grooming “depicting or advocating violence, criminal activity, use of alcohol or drugs, pornography, or hate speech;” defines parent, student, and staff responsibilities; and addresses appropriate enforcement.”

https://noworegon.org/issues/model-student-dress-code/

Be part of this change by signing the petition below!