Why We Should Not Be Dress Coded

Have you ever been dress coded? If you go to a school where there is a dress code implied, you would probably know that mostly in public schools, women get dress-coded the most. Over 90 percent ban clothing worn by girls, even if a boy also wears them. But it depends on public schools and private school's policies. For example, private schools sometimes make it prohibited for boys to have long hair, so the sexism can go both ways. Research shows that not only just women get the most targeted, but students of color, and LGBTQ+ get targeted just as much. Racism still affects the dress code to this day, and the LGBTQ+ community often uses clothing to express themselves more because they are trying to explore their identity. There should not be

School dress codes can reflect that boys will be distracted by girls' bodies. Or that girls' clothes and appearance require more rules rather than boys. According to the research by Linda Morris, “Such policies also may punish LGBTQ+ students for not conforming with rigid and binary gender norms about proper behavior and appearance.” (Morris, ACLU, 2022). Also, allowing teachers to comment on female bodies. Or that the clothes that they are wearing are distracting. Both are sexist considering most boys wear very similar things to the women, but don't get dress-coded, or feel uncomfortable with the fact the teachers are “distracted”. Although sexism mostly contributes towards women, it can also contribute to men. Not allowing men to have long hair or hair past their shoulders even though the women may have it whatever length is an example of sexism towards men. In conclusion, school dress codes make many sexist stereotypes. So Dress codes can also contribute to mental issues when someone is trying to explore/expressing their

They feel objectified or embarrassed about how they look from their school time. A school which is supposed to be a safe place can fuel self-consciousness, shame and discrimination. All of that can contribute to someone's mental health years to come. Not only can it make someone insecure, it also can cause serious disorders. It might not seem like a big deal, but getting dress coded can really hurt someone depending on who dress coded them, and if they were trying to express themselves. According to research by Tess de Rooij, “In sum, dress codes have discriminatory workings, can contribute to mental health issues and limit self-expression and freedom–especially important to students wanting to express or explore their gender identity. “(Rooij, This is Gendered, 2022). All of this can create eating disorders, body dysmorphia, etc. In conclusion, mental issues or even serious problems can come from getting dress coded. This is very similar to dress codes, also making an individual feel uncomfortable with their own body or feel like they are doing something wrong, especially because it's an adult commenting on their