When we think back to our own middle school days, many of us were busy obsessing over the latest gossip magazines and competing to flaunt the coolest Lisa Frank pencil cases. However, today’s middle schoolers, like these remarkable 7th grade girls who challenged their school’s dress code, are a whole lot more aware and ready to stand up for what’s right. And guess what? They actually made a difference.
Last year, a group of four young women from a middle school in Portland, Oregon, took their concerns about the dress code straight to the school board. Fed up with feeling embarrassed about their outfit choices, these courageous girls decided to take action. The best part? The school board listened and made significant changes to the dress code regulations.
One of the students, Mia, passionately expressed to the board, “I come to school to learn, not to be judged on what I wear. When I choose my clothes, it’s about comfort, not about drawing attention.” It’s disheartening that a middle schooler has to advocate for herself in front of adults, but that’s the reality for many girls who often find themselves unfairly scrutinized.
Another student, Emma, highlighted the issue directly: “It’s always girls who get sent home for dress code violations. It feels like you’re saying boys’ education is more important than ours, which is simply wrong.” Exactly! This kind of thinking is totally unacceptable. Mia shared a story of a classmate who was penalized for wearing a “too short” skirt and forced to spend hours in the principal’s office. Not only did she miss out on valuable learning time, but she also faced unnecessary humiliation.
Before anyone argues that girls need stricter dress codes due to the nature of their clothing, let’s clarify: these girls aren’t advocating for no dress code at all. They simply want a set of guidelines that doesn’t obsess over female bodies and focuses less on specifics like midriffs, collarbones, or visible bra straps.
After hearing their compelling testimonies, the school board recognized the need for change and established a committee that included students (including Emma), parents, educators, and community leaders like Sarah Green, the president of the Oregon chapter of the National Organization of Women. “Learning shouldn’t be tied to clothing—your ability to learn math isn’t determined by whether you’re in a collared shirt or a tank top,” said Green. Preach it!
The outcome? A revamped dress code that is much more gender-neutral, eliminating phrases like “bare midriff” and “plunging necklines.” The new policy focuses on avoiding clothing that promotes hate speech or inappropriate content, while allowing students to express their religious beliefs through their attire. Students won’t be penalized for visible bra straps or for wearing hoodies and hats—just a gentle reminder that their faces should be visible and not obstructing anyone’s view.
If this new dress code proves to be a success, it could lead to fewer students missing class for trivial reasons. It’s set to be implemented this fall, and Green is optimistic that it will inspire other schools to reconsider their own dress codes.
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In summary, these brave 7th grade girls have shown that standing up for fairness can lead to real change. Their efforts not only improved their own school environment but may also pave the way for others to follow suit.