Today, while sorting through my daughter’s backpack, I discovered several crumpled papers at the bottom. Among them were advertisements for local music lessons, a form to join the Parent-Teacher Organization, and a physical education assignment that caught me off guard.
The assignment read: “…Picture Day… role model and leader… plan ahead what to wear… girls who wear a skirt or a dress will earn 25 points… girls and boys who wear nice pants and a collared shirt will earn 15 points…”
I had to reread it to fully comprehend its implications. Yes, it was as shocking as it seemed. My immediate reaction was one of horror, and I knew I had to address this.
However, I found myself hesitating. I am not typically confrontational and have often chosen to remain silent to maintain a pleasant relationship with those around me. I’ve frequently overlooked problematic situations—especially regarding my daughter’s school—because I didn’t want to be perceived as a difficult parent.
In this instance, my daughter loves wearing dresses, so I could have easily kept my concerns to myself. But I realized that my studies in social work have emphasized the need to speak out against injustices. It’s crucial to advocate for fairness, even if it means facing disapproval.
Thus, I decided to contact the principal of my daughter’s school. Here’s what I felt like writing:
“Are you serious? My daughter has to wear a dress for extra credit? This is 2023! How can this be acceptable?”
What I actually composed was more measured:
Dear Principal,
I hope this message finds you well. I rarely find it necessary to contact the school, but I felt compelled to express my concern regarding the recent PE assignment sent home with my daughter.
While I understand and appreciate the importance of teaching children about presentation, I was alarmed to see that the assignment states, “Girls who wear a skirt or a dress will earn 25 points,” while “Girls who wear nice pants and a collared shirt will earn 15 points.”
This approach is concerning. It perpetuates an outdated notion that girls must conform to certain norms regarding their appearance, which can stifle their individuality and self-expression. Furthermore, it implies that a girl’s value is tied to her appearance, which is not acceptable. In a time when we encourage authenticity, penalizing a child for choosing not to wear a dress is disappointing.
I would like to emphasize that my daughter enjoys wearing dresses, but I believe it’s essential to model advocacy for fairness, even when it doesn’t directly impact us. As a social worker and educator, I strive to teach my daughter to embrace diversity and acceptance, which I feel is not reflected in this assignment.
I sincerely hope that this situation can be addressed.
After sending my message, I felt a wave of anxiety as I awaited a response. To my relief, the principal replied within 36 minutes, acknowledging my concerns and assuring me that she would discuss the matter with the PE teacher.
Later that day, while picking up my daughter, I encountered the PE teacher, who approached me for a discussion. Although I felt intimidated, she mentioned that the assignment would be revised to better align with modern values. However, she also expressed disappointment that I had not initially addressed my concerns with her directly.
I clarified that my intention was not to cause trouble, but rather to ensure that all students are treated equitably, regardless of their clothing choices. I left the conversation feeling conflicted but proud of my decision to advocate for change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, standing up for what you believe in is vital, even if it may not make you popular. Liking yourself and your values should take precedence over seeking approval from others. If you’re interested in exploring other related topics, you might find our article on intracervical insemination insightful. Additionally, for those seeking to enhance their fertility, consider checking out Boost Fertility Supplements for expert advice. For further information about fertility and insurance, this resource may prove helpful.