Good riddance to sexist Orange County dress code

As leaders of young girls, it should be a goal to help them become strong, independent women.

Yet, in too many student dress codes, including Orange County Public Schools, girls are singled out.

We prohibit “tight fitting” clothes, narrow shoulder straps and other items that “cause a distraction.”

This is meant to say: “Girls, cover up, your body is distracting the boys.”

Instead of teaching our young men, female students are pulled from class, missing learning opportunities because of narrow and unnecessary rules.

As the mother of two girls, I have for years struggled to purchase clothes in our Florida stores that met the standards. The top strap was always too narrow because clothing manufacturers know we live in Florida, where it is hot, yet our school system felt shoulders were “distracting” for some reason?

Recently, I met with students at Wekiva High School and was asked many times about the emphasis on the dress code. One student said “Instead of checking our clothes everyday, I would rather you check our bags so we feel safe at school.”

That comment stuck with me.

These kids have big concerns and worries in their life, things we never had to worry about. Why are we so focused on clothing that daily checks are happening, and girls are getting removed from class because the strap on their top is 2 inches instead of 3?

In the process of revising the Code of

Conduct for next school year, we decided it was time for a change.

We eliminated all language that talked about tight and distracting clothing. We came to a consensus that finally read,

“Tops must have straps.”

That’s it.

After being frustrated with this code for 11 years, I am proud to have a code no longer objectifying our young girls. The board has held two meetings where revisions were made, and the now the final draft will come before the board to be voted on June 23.

You may think that equity in the dress code through a gender neutral language may seem like a small win.

But, for the little kindergarten girl who is told she can’t wear a sundress because the straps are too narrow, this is a huge win. It stops the unnecessary early sexualization of our children.

For the high school girl with a larger frame who is told to go home because her clothes are too tight, it’s a huge win. It stops the continued deterioration of self esteem our female students often face in society every day.

I firmly believe we should teach our girls that they are not responsible for the behaviors and actions of others because of the way they dress. This is a message that has far-reaching consequences beyond the classroom.

I’m happy I fought for this. I’m happy I fought for our girls.