Are School Dress Codes Sexist?

A FB Friend linked to What I Teach My Teenage Daughter In Response To Her School’s Sexist Dress Code.  Apparently his teenage daughter ran afoul of the school code and had to change... So he could relate to the article.


After listening to these discussions through many years and 3 daughters, and after spending time in the schools... I side with the schools codes and would almost prefer that they went to specifying uniforms.... Even the best intentioned parent sometimes allows shorts that are just a little too short, leggings that are a bit thin, spaghetti strap tops, etc.


The irony is in our experience the rules are enforced more tightly for students with responsible parents, while the students who have challenges at home get a free pass. (ie soft bigotry of low expectations?)  Here is an example policy:

"DRESS, GROOMING T-SHIRT DESIGN AND POLICY Clothing may not include words or visuals which are obscene, abusive, disruptive or discriminatory, or which advertise alcohol, tobacco, narcotics or drugs. Dress or grooming which is disruptive of the classroom or school atmosphere is not allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons. EHS Class or Activity apparel including T-shirts and jerseys must be pre-approved (see T-shirt Designed/Ordered Spiritwear policy below). No face masks or face paint may be worn at any time. Students will be subject to disciplinary consequences in the event of noncompliance with these regulations."

Here is a more useful example of what is allowed and disallowed in many schools.  Now the folks who were anti-dress code seemed to think that they were unfairly sexist with all the focus on hem heights, straps, collar types, etc.  To which I answered that I just don't know many boys who want to wear short shorts and spaghetti strap tank tops that expose their belly button to school.


Then the discussion went towards the intent of the rules. They thought the schools unfairly enforce these draconian rules on girls to prevent the boys from being distracted.  And they believe that the young hormonal boys should be taught to avoid being distracted by attractive young women wearing skin tight clothing and/or showing a significant amount of skin.  I of course thought that was silly since I am 52 years old and still easily distracted after years of working against that millennia old male instinct.


Here were my closing thoughts over there... "As far I am aware girls are told to change because they are violating the district policy. Now I assume the intent of the policy is what you are concerned about, and I sure do not know that intent. Why do you think companies in America have casual Friday dress codes? I agree with ??? that this has less to do with boys and more to do with "appropriate dress".   So what is the consensus, should we all be able to wear whatever we want to work / school? Or should our society define common minimum expectations in these places of learning and work?"


This somewhat applies. G2A Judging vs Noticing