Dear School Districts,
As we all know, in order for a society to function normally and smoothly, we need to set rules determining what we can and cannot do. Rules are set to help school districts run fairly and prevent further problems from happening. These rules apply to the amount of credits you need to graduate high school, GPA requirements to participate in sports and also address what is acceptable to be worn to classes. We all know it's meant to prevent "distractions" and help further students to focus on their studies, but is that really what is happening?
Rules are set for acceptable length of shorts, and they ban tank tops from being worn. Let's actually look at the students who we all know this is targeted towards: young female students. Girls are constantly being targeted for what they wear, being told that it's a distraction for students. Authority figures set these rules strictly toward females. Why? Because "boys will be boys" and will make comments to girls.
Do you ever hear a student talk about how a bare shoulder kept him from completing an algebra problem? Or a student being distracted by seeing a bare thigh? No, it never happens. As a college student, we are liberated and given the freedom to wear what we please to classes, unless enrolled in classes that require business casual. I don't think my bra strap, shoulder, back, legs or midriff has ever distracted a male student from his studies. He's more worried about passing the midterm that's worth 30 percent of the class grade than he is with the birthmarks I have on my back.
Rules are rules, but they're starting to get way too extreme. Some schools are going to the unthinkable lengths of not letting students receive their diplomas because of what they wore to graduation. So, the dress that's under the gown is apparently affecting students from paying attention at graduation. Is an elegant skater dress too sexualized for principals and school district officials? Is wearing open-toed shoes really going to effect a student's score on an English exam?
Please take your rules into consideration. It's not like shoulders and legs aren't exposed on a daily basis in the real world. Consider the real priorities that should be taken more seriously than the amount of skin shown on school grounds.
Sincerely,
Me
