I recently heard a story that shocked and disheartened me. Schools are starting to ban girls' clothing because it is suggestive and distracting for male students and teachers. When I was in high school, our bra straps had to be covered by two inches, our skirts had to be the length of our arm and short shorts were taboo. Now schools are taking it a step further and banning leggings, jeggings, yoga pants and skinny jeans. This story was so unbelievable that I had to research it for myself. I found this article "A local high school places new policy on leggings, jeggings and tight jeans," which explains how and why the Devils Lake School District, North Dakota, U.S.A. began the clothing ban.
Female students at the school were recently informed that their leggings, jeggings, yoga pants and skinny jeans were inappropriate. Not only is this gendered policy an injustice, but the school went even further. Female students were forced to watch two clips from the movie "Pretty Woman" and were subsequently compared to Julia Roberts' character who is a prostitute.
The problem: some leggings are transparent creating a distraction for young male teachers and male students. The assistant principal attempted to justify their new policy by clarifying that the "new policy [was] not meant to objectify girls, but stop boys from focusing on something other than class work." Although the punishments for wearing these clothes is not the same for each situation, each consequence is only more absurd than the last. Female students are forced to change into an alternative outfit brought by their parents, or receive a detention or are even suspended.
Parents' and students' reaction to this new policy emphasizes two important issues that arise here. Parents suggested that instead of condemning girls for their clothing, they should be able to wear whatever they want while boys should be able to control themselves. Furthermore, one student pointed out that schools have far more important issues than yoga pants to understand and address, like bullying.
There are so many injustices with this policy that I'm not sure where to start. Gendered policy and education should not be acceptable in 21st century education. Ridiculing and punishing female students because male students and teachers are distracted is not logical or just. Female students should be allowed to wear clothing that makes them comfortable and represents their individuality. It is a double-edged sword for girls. Society sexualizes young women while simultaneously repressing their sexuality and enforcing "modesty." Male students and teachers (all students and educators actually) should be taught how to respect their female peers. Instead of punishing girls, the school system should be educating every student on respect and understanding.
Shaming girls' sexuality and preserving male students' perceived sexual superiority should not have any part in 21st century education. I'm ashamed that the education system I love and support is not only perpetuating this hegemonic white male superiority but regressing as well.
In my future classroom, I will strive to create a positive and respectful environment for students of all genders, races, classes, religions and social statuses. I do not believe that these identities should divide students. Instead, schools and classrooms should celebrate student diversity and individuality. Students should be encouraged to find their individual and collective identity through education.
Schools should be a space for discovering your identity. As a prospective teacher, I will strive to create an environment not only conducive to learning the curriculum, but also to learning about yourself and others.
