Dress codes have been implemented in the school systems since before we were even born, and are one thing that has been pushed upon women ever since we were young. No short shorts, skirts must be of an appropriate length, tank tops must have a two-inch wide strap, and backless outfits are not permitted. For the men, no shorts that go below the knees, no extremely oversized shirts, and no “sagging.” For all students, no sunglasses unless prescribed, no clothes or items that display inappropriate images or messages, piercings are discouraged, no spiked jewelry, no blankets, no solid red or blue clothing or backpacks, and no jewelry that shows you are affiliated with a gang. Of course, we all know this as it has been drummed into us year after year. 

But don’t you notice something? Men have fewer regulations than women do. Don’t you see how unfair it is? Why is it that men have fewer restrictions? 

Ever since we were young, teachers and staff have emphasized to us the importance of these regulations. And if you pay attention to the dress code pamphlet that the school posts, you will see on the second page at the bottom that it says, “Other types of dress that are physically revealing or cause undue attention can be deemed inappropriate at the discretion of school administration.” At this point, what is considered inappropriate and appropriate? Where is the line, if it can always be altered by the school administration?

Another thing to note in the dress code pamphlet is where it talks about causing “undue attention.” What does that even mean? Undue attention from whom? The answer is very clear: men. These regulations were put in place so we can’t “distract the boys.” Teachers can’t even backtrack on that because almost every teacher has said it at least once. These regulations are getting ridiculous! A couple of years ago, as long as your tank top straps were two fingers wide, you were fine. But now they’re getting stricter. And why do we need these regulations so we can’t supposedly “distract the boys”? Because God forbid a boy sees a shoulder, knee, or even a leg, they might get the wrong idea. 

What is this? The olden days? Why should women have so many regulations while men have so few?  The only reason why these were enforced was because men supposedly can’t keep their eyes off women who show even the slightest bit of skin. Then they blame it on what they were wearing. That is quite literally why so many things happen to women. Should we be forced to wear burqas, fully covering our bodies?  

I’ve heard so many adults say, “This is for your protection.” Protection from what exactly? The boys? Of course it is. Because men are rarely taught to be respectful of women, whether it be harassment or anything else, the reason why they do it is that seldom does anyone tell them not to do that. Then the girls are blamed for it for being “too tempting” or “Maybe he thought you liked it.” No girl likes being catcalled or harassed. And apparently, this is why the dress code is implemented.

Instead of being stricter on the girls, why don’t you become stricter for the boys? Maybe we should teach men that, instead of catcalling a girl, they should be respectful.