Despite all of the controversies that exist in this world, there are some things that cannot be disputed - the grass is green, the sky is blue, and society is sexist.

Though there are variations of its definition, sexism relates to prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sex, particularly against women. This can take infinite forms, but it primarily relates to the presence of double standards - rules and regulations that apply to women, but not their male counterparts.

Double standards are prevalent in nearly every aspect of society, but as a student, the double standard most apparent in my life is the dress code.

Out of everything I experienced and learned last school year, I distinctly remember when the administration came through the gym periods to reiterate the dress code policies. Seeing as we were so close to warmer temperatures (the event took place in early spring), the timing was likely based on the imminent rush of girls wearing shorts and tank tops. Actually, the entire presentation was a thinly-veiled attempt to tell girls to not wear clothing items that could distract others (read: boys) from learning.

It was as though the administration were saying:

“Girls, with spring coming soon, it is only natural to want to shed the heavy winter layers and opt for clothing more suitable for the warmer weather. Even so, please do not forget that when in school, the dress code must be adhered to, regardless of how high the temperature may climb. Please ensure that your shorts are fingertip length, your shoulders modestly covered, and that your bra straps remain unseen. After all, you shouldn’t distract from the learning environment, right?”

Wrong.

According to my county’s dress code policies, clothing should not be “see-through or sexually provocative.” Examples of such prohibited clothing include, but are not limited to “low-cut necklines that show cleavage, tube tops, halter tops, backless blouses or blouses with only ties in the back.” In fact, all clothing that “interferes with or disrupts the educational environment” is considered unacceptable and inappropriate.

And unsurprisingly, this dress code, allegedly meant to preserve the professionalism of the academic environment, is doing more harm than good for female students.

By forcing young women to cover up their bodies, you are telling them that their bodies, and consequently themselves, are bad. You tell them that their bodies are something to be hidden and feel guilty about, making them feel embarrassed and ashamed of who they are. And by sending a girl home because she violates dress code only succeeds in sending the message that her education is less important than her physical appearance.

And above all, the dress code teaches that if any guy sexualizes or harrasses a girl, it’s her fault.

Likewise, it assumes that teenage boys cannot control themselves to see a few inches of a girl’s thigh. That logic is not only demeaning to girls, but to boys as well, who are perfectly capable of simultaneously learning and being around girls regardless of what they’re wearing.

Furthermore, dress codes enforce the concept that girls should be taught to modify their behavior to avoid tempting boys. Instead of perpetuating this false and harmful mindset, we should concentrate on teaching boys to avoid leering, shaming, and inappropriately touching (read: harassing and assaulting) girls.