Another day, another cringe-worthy dress code aimed at shaming young women. It’s baffling how we continue to undermine the confidence of our future leaders in America! Take a look at the recent dress code guidelines from Biglerville High School in Pennsylvania for their upcoming awards ceremony:
“Keep ‘the girls’ covered and supported, and ensure that nothing is so snug that all your bits and pieces are hanging out. Remember, we don’t want any ‘sausage rolls’ on display, as Mrs. Johnson puts it. Just a reminder that you can’t fit 10 pounds of mud in a five-pound sack.”
Well, I must disagree—I manage it quite frequently!
Senior Emma Caldwell shared the letter on her social media, expressing her disbelief: “This is a place where we should feel safe and at ease. It’s shocking to see something like this coming from the school administration.” The school later responded, stating, “While we regret the unfortunate wording, we respect all students and hope this does not overshadow the dignity of the graduation ceremony and the achievements of our graduates.”
This letter takes the usual dress code blunders to a whole new level. Young women already face enough pressure regarding their bodies; now they have to worry about being labeled as ‘sausage rolls.’ With 90% of individuals who suffer from eating disorders being between the ages of 12 and 25, it’s vital to understand the impact of messages like this.
Let’s not forget, these are young women on the brink of adulthood—18 years old and being recognized for their accomplishments. They deserve respect and the autonomy to choose their attire without judgment. It’s important to address them as the capable individuals they are; they can certainly dress themselves.
Typically, schools target items like spaghetti straps and shorts that fall above the knee. But as someone who developed early, let me tell you—it’s nearly impossible to find clothes that don’t feel “tight” when shopping in stores aimed at teenagers. If you don’t fit into the “stick-thin” mold, almost anything can be deemed “immodest.” It’s absurd.
The modesty police need to take a breather, especially during a celebration of young women’s achievements.
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In summary, a recent dress code from Biglerville High School has sparked outrage by using body-shaming language aimed at female students. The guidelines not only undermine the confidence of young women but also fail to recognize their maturity as they approach adulthood. It’s time to celebrate their achievements without imposing outdated and harmful standards.