Change sexualization and objectification of our girls in schools

From the ACLU:
"Dress codes that are targeted at or unevenly enforced against particular groups of students may violate laws prohibiting race and sex discrimination. Dress codes are frequently unevenly enforced against girls for wearing clothing that is considered a "distraction" to boys in the classroom — reinforcing stereotypes about how "good girls" dress and privileging boys' ability to concentrate over girls' comfort and ability to learn"

In August, I witnessed an antiquated rule interrupt my child's education. My NJHS, gifted-track, honor roll, well-behaved, hard-working student was held from classes to change her shorts that were 1" above dress code.

According to the ACLU, "We believe that students should be free to express themselves as long as they do not threaten or intimidate others, or disrupt school activities...We believe that rules should be directly related to the educational program and have an educational purpose."

The length of our daughters' shorts has NOTHING to do with the quality of education that children receive. However, what DOES affect their education is holding them from classes until they change their clothes. It is demeaning, intimidating, and unnecessary.

There needs to be a reasonable standard. If it were based upon inseam, specifically a minimum 4" inseam (crotch-to-hem), the problem of buttox & thighs showing would be completely eliminated. Pasco School faculty need to be reminded that the SCOC allows sleeveless tops with 1" straps. Countless GIRLS are being told to cover their shoulders when in direct compliance with the 1" strap rule. For example, one of my daughters' friends was told to put a jacket on when she wore an extremely modest tank top that actually spanned 4 finger widths across her shoulders. It was difficult for her to concentrate on her test because she was so hot. This is yet another example of how unnecessary dress code enforcement is disrupting our children's educational experience at school. 

These current dress code standards as well as the faculties' excessive enforcements are crossing the line of sexism, gender inequality, and women's rights. Our girls need to stop being objectified and sexualized in their place of education! Their educators should be focusing on educating, not dressing, our children.

As the ACLU so eloquently stated, we as parents also want to see our students have the freedom to "express themselves as long as they do not threaten or intimidate others, or disrupt school activities...We believe that rules should be directly related to the educational program and have an educational purpose."

We emplore you as students, former students, teachers, and parents to change the shorts to a 4" inseam and enforce that the school staff members across Pasco allow for sleeveless tops with a minimum 1" strap. We also emplore you to revisit the school staff across Pasco to tone down on the obsessive and oppressive singling out of our young girls concerning their attire. Last but not least, we would like to propose that Pasco County schools take initiative to separate the girls and the boys and teach them both how to show respect for the opposite sex. Education is not just about book smarts, it is about moving forward in life and growth. Unfortunately, some students are not taught self respect and respect of others at home. Let's take advantage of the precious school time and teach them life skills as well, beginning with physical and sexual boundaries.

Thank you.