The first time I got dress coded was in third grade because I was wearing gym shorts. There was also a time when I was getting on the bus and the bus driver felt the need to stop me and comment on how short my shorts were.

Again, I was in third grade. 

Not only did she comment about my shorts, but she then tried to pull them further down my legs. I was a little girl, I had no care in the world about seeking male validation, and I still don’t. 

Although the dress code was intended for everyone, I’ve always felt that it was predominantly for girls. Girls of all ages are told to cover up because allowing “too much” skin exposure could distract male students from getting an education. 

Yes, because my top priority when getting dressed in the morning is for guys at school to look at me. Not. 

I think I speak for most women when I say that is the least of our concerns! 

Just because I decide to wear a tank top or a pair of shorts doesn’t mean I’m trying to impress anyone, nor does it mean I am asking to be sexualized. 

If someone is allowing another person’s choice of clothing to take away from their education, that’s their own fault. It’s not fair that women are restricted from wearing certain things because others can’t control themselves.

It’s also unfair that male athletes are allowed to be shirtless during practices, but female athletes aren’t allowed to practice in a sports bra. Why is that when most athletic teams are separated by gender. 

Instead of teaching and shaming young girls/women into hiding their bodies, young boys/men should be educated on boundaries. 

It’s OK to look at somebody and find them attractive; it’s not okay to harass or sexualize them. Wearing an outfit doesn’t imply that a person is asking for anything either.