The subject of dress codes is one that has come under controversy on several occasions now. Many times it will start with a headline story about a young woman being sent home over clothing that is considered inappropriate or distracting.

Occasionally, there are also stories regarding instances where dress codes have targeted boys as well. For example, boys being sent home for having hair that is considered too long.

As a side note, in my opinion, sending a boy home for having long hair is over the top and unnecessary.

But the main issue or argument over dress codes seems to be over whether or not they are sexist in their standards towards women.

I would argue, however, that it is not necessarily the act of having a dress code which is sexist, but the way the dress code is enforced and the messages that can be sent to girls.

For example, it's not wrong to simply tell a young woman (or man) that the clothing they are wearing is not appropriate for school or doesn't fit the dress code described. But it is another thing to tell a young woman that what she's wearing is "distracting" to boys. The latter can send a very clear and damaging to a girl; that her body is something to be ashamed of.

There's nothing wrong with having a dress code in and of itself. It is understandable that schools want to set rules which prevent students from showing up in clothing that is inappropriate. Schools have a certain environment to maintain and I get that. They don't want kids (whether male or female) walking around in clothing that sends racist/sexist messages, clothing with gang/alcohol related symbols, or in clothing that basically shows their private parts.

But dress codes should not discriminate among males and females. If a girl isn't allowed to show up in day in a v-neck, a guy shouldn't be either. A friend of mine told me how girls weren't allowed to wear only sports bras during athletic practices at their high school, but guys were allowed to take off their shirts and run around.

And there are some things which are just common sense. Like not pulling a girl out of class, making her put bandaids on her nipples and asking her to jump up and down to see if her breasts bounced, as is what happened at one Bradenton school in Florida.

Overall, rules are important and definitely in place for a reason. But just as important is acknowledging the instances when rules are unreasonable, or unjustly executed.