Today, while rummaging through my daughter’s backpack, I stumbled upon a crumpled homework assignment from her gym class that left me stunned. Among the usual flyers and forms was a note detailing how students could earn points for dressing up on Picture Day. The kicker? Girls who donned a skirt or dress would score 25 points, while those wearing nice pants and a collared shirt would only receive 15.
I had to read that twice to ensure I wasn’t misinterpreting it. The sheer absurdity of this policy made my stomach turn. As a parent, I felt compelled to respond, but I recognized the fear that often comes with voicing dissent. Like many, I’ve hesitated to speak out, preferring to be seen as agreeable rather than confrontational. My daughter, after all, loves wearing dresses, so why not just let this one slide?
But as I continue my studies in social work, I’m learning the importance of advocating for what’s right, even if it means risking popularity. So, I decided to reach out to the school principal.
What I felt like saying was: “Are you serious? In 2023, you think it’s okay to incentivize girls based on outdated notions of femininity? This is appalling!” Instead, I opted for a more composed approach:
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