School Dress Codes and Their Oppressive Effects on Young Women

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matter how much of herself she covers up—she’ll still be faulted for her inappropriate behavior. In March of 2014 it was rumored that Haven Middle School in Evanston, Illinois had banned tight fitting pants including legging and skinny jeans. The new rule in the schools dress code sparked an onslaught of student protest and media attention. Students and parents alike were frustrated with the ban on the popular pants as they felt that the ban was targeted directly at female students and not males. However, Melissa Burda, spokesperson for Haven’s School District 65 made a public statement that, Rumors that the school banned leggings and skinny jeans are not the truth. Students at the school are allowed to wear leggings, yoga pants, and skinny jeans. However, if leggings are worn, we ask that the shirt, short skirt, or whatever they have on top must be fingertip length (Fisher, 2014). Regardless of the statement, residents of Evanston were still outraged with the school’s dress code rule change as they felt the policy held female students responsible for the ...

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