Plymouth schools to reexamine dress code after students complain of sexism, censorship
PLYMOUTH – Parents might want to hold off on selecting back-to-school wardrobes for their children this summer as school officials review student dress codes.
The school committee agreed to look into what qualifies as appropriate for school after receiving two letters from students at Plymouth Community Intermediate School.
The letters – one signed by members of Mr. Gavin’s Period G civics class and the other from Ranger House eighth graders – complained that the existing dress code is sexist and unfair.
“A very common issue is that it is mainly girls who are getting dress coded, and boys almost never get dress coded. Getting dress coded sends a message to kids that they cannot be themselves," students in Gavin’s class wrote. "It makes us feel like we aren’t good enough and like we should hide our bodies."
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“A very common excuse that teachers give to students is that ‘it’s disrespectful’, or ‘it distracts the boys.’ But why is it my fault if a boy is distracted by me? And most of the time they aren’t distracted anyway," the letter reads.
Ranger House eighth graders provided examples of what they consider unfair rules.
“No bare midriffs, no shoulders showing (Muscle shirts, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, etc.), and skirts and shorts must be at least mid-thigh in length,” they wrote.
They wrote that not being able to dress how they want has affected some students’ mental health.
Both groups of students noted that the code is outdated and has not been changed in decades. They said it is enforced, with a bias toward female students.
“The dress code is outdated and it’s time for change,” Ranger House eighth graders said.
The school committee read both letters into the record at a meeting last month and members agreed to look into the issue.
In an interview, Plymouth School Committee Chair Kim Savery said the dress code has been brought up before and deserves another look, especially if it unfairly targets girls more than boys.
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Savery noted that times and styles change, and policies such as the dress code occasionally need a fresh look. Savery said the dress code is the same across all district schools, but it is possible that it is enforced differently at different levels. The letters suggested that some students were called out about their clothing, while others were quietly pulled aside.
With the district’s recent hiring of an equity coordinator, she said it makes sense to look at the code through an equity lens and determine if it is fair to everyone.
Savery said the school committee applauds the students for taking the initiative and advocating for themselves. The students might not agree with the committee's eventual decision, she said, but they know they have a voice and they know they have been heard.
“Just the fact that we’re teaching them how to stick up and advocate for themselves is huge,” Savery said. “It’s important for them to know their voice matters.”
School Superintendent Christopher Campbell said the dress code can be taken up as part of the district’s regular handbook and policy revision process. He said administrators will review the code and make recommendations for the school committee to consider. No timeline was given for the review.
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This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Students say Plymouth school dress code is sexist, unfair
