Hi everyone! My name is Mari Da Silva and I am a senior at Grossmont High School, and I wanted to make a difference for the rest of the student body regarding dress code before I graduate. Or at least try my best :)

Grossmont High School has just released an email to all parents and students regarding updates and reminders on our dress code.

This email seems to have caused an uproar in the student body, and rightfully so. I asked many of my fellow students via social media, and it seems as though our thoughts on the matter are unanimous.

The email starts with, "Students are expected . . . to maintain a safe environment in the school." Controlling how students dress, specifically female students (or students who prefer a more feminine style), enforces shame in our bodies, not safety. 

This email states the following:

" - Clothing may not be over-sized or form-fitting, including extra long shirts

 - Sleeveless garments

- Pants must have finished edges and fitted at the waist and crotch 

- Spaghetti straps/strapless/single-sleeve/off shoulder/halter/tube shirts or dresses.

- Excessively low-cut garments (no cleavage showing).

- Backless or racer-back shirts (shirts that do not cover the back entirely).

- Bare midriff (stomach) may not be exposed (tops must be long enough to tuck in but not exceed 4" past the waist)

- Slippers and pajamas.

- Micro-mini skirts, dresses, and short shorts.

- Wallet or waist chains.

- Spiked jewelry."

and more. 

The ones listed above are the ones I believe make the least amount of sense. It is September in San Diego and the heat is still not dying down. Students are going to dress to the weather so they can be comfortable to learn, that is a safe learning environment.

I am going to show my legs, I am going to show my shoulders, I am going to show my stomach. Not only because it is extremely hot outside, but there is nothing wrong with those parts of my body. Nor is there anything wrong with yours. It's not distracting any other students, and if it is we should teach our students not to sexualize and objectify each other. We all have a body and that is okay, we should not have to hide it for the sake of someone else's unjustified discomfort. 

Every other school in the Grossmont Union High School District has protested and petitioned to abolish/edit their dress code and has succeeded. As far as I know, we are the only school left to go by this outdated set of rules.

Please spread the word and sign this petition to make a change and allow freedom of expression here at GHS!

<3 <3 <3