Dress Codes Targeting Girls

Words: 536
Pages: 3

Are dress codes targeting girls more than boys? This question has sparked controversy across the country. Riley O’Keefe, a tenth grader living in St. Johns County, Florida, had her yearbook picture edited by a staff member who believed her outfit violated the dress code. 80 other girl’s pictures were edited as well, while a picture of some boys in swimsuits was left unedited. Shauna Pomerantz, the author of “Girls, Style, and School Identities: Dressing the Part” says: “It’s a ridiculous idea to think that [editing] these pictures is going to somehow change the culture of the school. If anything, that kind of action is going to enhance rape culture in any school, and it’s going to give people the message that girls are asking for trouble if they show their cleavage.” …show more content…
265 of those violations were females, which is 83% of the original number. That percentage is the same as the last year. From this, it seems clear that dress codes are targeting females. Hold up, teachers think dress codes are helpful. 85% of school staff members think that dress codes help create a more respectful school environment, according to a study. Blogger and teacher, Stephanie, says: “Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, ladies, but let’s take a trip back to anatomy class: you have more private parts that need covering than men, plain and simple. Nothing about the dress code in most schools is sexist. She also says: “Boys definitely stare at girls’ butts when they are wearing leggings. Do we really need those extra distractions in school?” Sharon Hughson, an author, says: “I hope a boy wouldn’t show up wearing that dress, but just yesterday, Jim Smith had to change into pants that wouldn’t drop below his hips because his underwear was showing. This isn’t a discrimination issue.” With this information, it sounds like dress codes are helpful and aren’t sexist. My opinion is that dress codes discriminate towards