Sexist Dress Code?

Many students at East feel as though the school’s dress code is overly enforced for girls, and hardly or barely enforced for boys. Girls are addressed for what school thinks is “inappropriate” which is mainly not having their stomach/mid drift covered. The dress code also states that buttocks and chest must be covered. However, boys sag their pants and show their chest all of the time without getting addressed. They even walk around with no shirt on sometimes. Yet, girls are being sent home and missing out on their education for showing their stomach.
 
East High emphasizes strong attendance and students getting their education. We're getting sent home for clothes that they think is a distraction to other students. Boys not wearing shirts are just as much of a distraction to students as girls wearing half shirts. So why is it acceptable for boys to walk around without a shirt or sagging their pants –making everyone look at their underwear—when the dress code clearly states “Cover buttocks, stomach/midriff and chest.”
 
Our dress code is logical and was obviously made for the benefit of all students but if it is not being enforced on every student equally then it should not be put into action until there is a real plan to address every student. There should be a plan ensuring that every student is dressed appropriately according to the school dress code. It’s becoming a big controversy, because many girls feel singled out when they are being addressed about their clothing while a boy sagging their pants or even another girl would be walking by with “inappropriate” clothing on and not be addressed or sent home.
 
It’s unfair and something needs to be done about it, especially with warm weather on its way.  I have experienced this and I was very disappointed because my grades were being jeopardized because of a poorly enforced, sexist rule.  If East is committed to a climate of community and exemplary behavior, then all rules should be enforced fairly.

Sonyalice McGrew