The unfairness of school dress codes

This kind of story is a pretty tired one: girl goes to school and the straps on her tank top are just a little too skinny, and she gets detention or gets sent home. Or her skirt is too short, or whatever. There was just something about her outfit that was considered too distracting for her male peers.

The argument that students must dress a certain way (like with school uniforms) to maintain professionalism and to eliminate distractions, allowing students to focus on lessons and learning, quickly and easily slides into a discussion of what girls can and can’t wear. We never really talk about the fact that girls also like girls, or argue that a short skirt can be distracting for young woman. So why is it such an issue for boys?

This all just suggests ensuring boys aren’t distracted by a shoulder or two is more important than a girl’s autonomy, her self expression and comfort. It prioritizes boys' education over girls' education. 

Some teens, though, aren’t okay with sexist dress codes. They’re using the hashtag #IAmMoreThanADistraction to try and change the conversation about what girls can and can’t wear. With messages like “Why is it when he sags nothing happens but if her bra strap shows she is a violator?” they’re trying to reverse body shaming and policing.

@KellyRipa It should not be a crime for a girl to be in possession of a girls body #iammorethanadistraction pic.twitter.com/AZj1EdoB0h

— Leann Esterle (@Scoutmom991) September 22, 2014

#iammorethanadistraction teach boys to have more self control because it's not our fault pic.twitter.com/xn91SHMjxq

— SO PROUD OF 5SOS (@punkclifford01) August 26, 2015

Nothing winds me up more than sexist led school dress codes. The only things that need changed are attitudes #iammorethanadistraction

— Katie (@KatieGeorginaM) September 9, 2015

Have you ever encountered hypocritical dress codes? What can you do to combat these kinds of negative messages in school?