Across the United States, there has been a rise in protests resulting from school dress codes, as students take to the streets decrying the manner in which female students are “humiliated” and coerced into wearing more conservative clothing. Incidents in numerous states such as New York, Utah, Florida, and Oklahoma have triggered a fervent campaign on social media platforms against what have been described as sexist and victimizing policies. This has given rise to hashtags such as #iammorethanadistraction, and parents are voicing their concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of dress codes that are often unjustly enforced. These demonstrations have shed light on dress codes as public policy issues, exposing a problem of state power being confused with matters of good taste.

Dress code battles aren’t new, with sagging trousers and boys’ hair length previously being points of contention, while the current focus is on girls showing skin or wearing figure-hugging attire such as leggings or yoga pants. Schools’ fears are rooted in their belief that such clothing could act as a distraction to other students, making it necessary to send students home or outfit them in baggy clothing. A bigger problem is that this type of enforcement is predominantly aimed at girls, which some commentators believe is in violation of the federal law, Title IX, which aims to eliminate discrimination in educational environments. There are even laws against indecent exposure in schools, yet some administrators have taken it upon themselves to expand the law to beyond indecent exposure to involve what the school or the faculty identify as (poor) taste.

A few instances include a lengthy standoff at Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah, which saw a hundred or so pupils protest against the turning away of female students from a homecoming dance. A further incident occurred where dozens of pupils were banished or prevented from entering the dance, accused of breaching a rule that outlines how the hem of dresses should go no higher than mid-thigh when seated. Similar incidents have sprung up around the country, including students in Tottenville High School in Staten Island, New York, being made to cover up on one of the hottest days of the year.

The codes in question have a discriminatory impact on women, as only they seem to be targeted. Conversely, boys are not subjected to such punishment when they wear shorts that fall above their knees. Huffman argues that this attitude towards girls reinforces the objectification of women by boys. In effect, this communicates the idea that the girls’ primary purpose is to satisfy men’s shallow interests. If girls experience harassment as a result of these codes, the blame should fall on the boys themselves, and not the ones being harassed.