Temperatures are on the rise and it’s only logical for everyone to not want to wear heavy and excessive clothing. However, it is often girls that are sent to the office and forced to changed regularly when summer approaches.

Parts of the dress code, according to the 2014-2015 student handbook, include:

• All students, regardless of gender, must wear shirts that are either tucked into the pants or that extend below the top of the pants without being pulled down to meet this standard. Absolutely no bare midriffs allowed.
• Tank tops, halter tops, or backless clothing will not be acceptable if worn by either gender.
• The material on all shirts must extend to the shoulder and not be less that 3 inches wide
• Shorts must extend at least to the student’s mid-thigh.
• Pants may not have holes that are above mid-thigh unless those holes are filled in or covered.
• School-appropriate clothing is required in PE just like all other classes.

Billy Daleske, the assistant principal, is in charge of enforcing the rules and disciplinary action.

“[The dress code] is important because we want to create an environment that is conducive to learning and student centered within the moral standards that have been set by the community,” said Daleske.

I, with the utmost respect, have to disagree. I understand that this logic seems to be universal in most schools nowadays, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. I’m sure a lot of you will disagree with my opinion, that’s perfectly okay. It is an opinion and up for debate.

The way I see it, the dress code is normalizing the idea that human bodies are a distraction. Sophomores Drue Hammond and Sadie Friend find this insulting.

“They expect girls to dress a certain way so guys don’t get distracted. Our bodies are not a bad thing, they’re natural,” said Friend.

“It makes it seem like guys are obsessed with girls. Trust me, I can focus in school even if I see a girl’s shoulder,” said Hammond.

Another problem is the dress code tries and fails at a one-size-fits-all theme. Taller girls with longer legs or curvy girls are punished more because they have more to show than petite females. This can completely diminish the positive body image girls struggle to develop, according to sophomore Madison Grobe.

“If you feel confident enough to wear it, go ahead!” said Grobe.

I understand and agree with that there need to be some rules. What you would wear to school and the beach are not the same. However, it is outdated, as junior Raven Caswell called it.

“It doesn’t work with the styles nowadays. You can’t go to the mall and find something for school. It’s mostly rompers, high-waisted shorts, leggings, and tank tops,” said Caswell.

It’s time that the school keeps up with the students. In order for girls to maintain a healthy self-esteem, we should be allowed to wear clothes that make us feel confident and this is often  not allowed because they are deemed inappropriate.

The dress code is insulting to all students. It insinuates boys are easily distracted and immature and that girls’ bodies are to be ashamed of and covered. We are teenagers. If you’re sexualizing me, my legs, arms, and shoulders, you are the problem, not my body.