I put on black shorts and a tank top. I kissed my mom good morning. As I walked out the door she said, “Have a good day, you look very cute!”

I was 15 minutes late to school. While I was waiting for a pass, the principal walked by and then halted. She faced me and, with a look of disgust, said, “Those shorts are not going to work today. Yeah…Ugh.”

That was the start to my first day of school.

It’s not our administrator’s right to dictate what I wear. It’s also not okay to shame the students they dress code and speak to them in a dismissive and hurtful manner.

Dress codes primarily target women and girls. The administrators when asked what they look to dress code, say “the three B’s.” Boobs, butt and belly; three attributes descriptive of women. While the dress code references rules that apply to boys such as no sagging, no side or back showing and no inappropriate references or images, those rules are not enforced.

Boys are allowed to wear bro tanks, jerseys and I’ve seen my fair share of boxers. We should not limit others for wearing what is both socially acceptable and popular. The administrators shouldn’t be able to pick and choose when it comes to fair treatment.

I asked my Mom her opinion on dress codes. She said, “Well, if they didn’t exist a girl could wear a bra to school.” I laughed and said, “That’s the extreme situation.”

My mom pointed out to me that when examining a situation with a thin line, you must examine the extremes.

But, there’s a second extreme to consider. Dress codes cannot be enforced equally or without compromising the personal rights of students. Wait, that’s the reality.

The main argument for the dress code is the idea of “distraction.” This applies mainly to girls. Because our bodies are hypersexualized, we are expected not to dress for ourselves, but to dress to prevent our male peers and teachers from being “distracted.” It’s not the job of any girl to dress herself so that her teachers or classmates don’t look down her shirt or at her ass.

Unlike the administrators, I give more credit to my male peers. They do have the ability to both control themselves and focus, despite all the boobs.

Students have a responsibility to their own education. The administration has an obligation. A student shouldn’t have to leave school or wear “lost and found” clothes, both embarrassing and unhygienic, to prevent another student from “losing focus.”

The administrators fail to consider the changed fashion expectations, modern styles and social norms to which high school students are accustomed.

Is the dress code violating self-expression? Is it modern? Should it be changed?” I say yes, to all three.