I have a quick question for you. Are you distracted by shoulders? What about knees?

Obviously, these things are a huge distraction that have shaped dress codes across the nation.

Thousands of girls have protested sexist dress codes at their middle or high schools for years. Nothing has changed. Dress codes continue to target young women and how they dress.

Not only is this inherently sexist, it is also dangerous. By hyper-sexualizing girls, we are insinuating the idea that women are only objects.

Women are people, too.

Why is it okay that boys can walk around school sagging their pants and showing their boxers, but girls can’t wear leggings? When I come to school in leggings, I am not trying to impress anyone.

I am simply trying to be comfortable while I focus on learning.

Girls are getting kicked out of class because of what they are wearing. They miss instruction time because teachers or administration are offended by completely appropriate outfits.

When I was a freshman, I was reprimanded for my outfit. It was cold out, so I decided to wear a sweater, leggings and boots. My leggings were apparently causing a distraction. I missed Biology class to sit in the dean’s office for no reason.

These are not isolated cases. This is happening every day around the United States. And by allowing this to happen, we are part of the problem.

16-19-year-old females are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted. When we shame girls, especially younger girls, we are perpetuating the idea that they should be ashamed of their bodies and should hide them to be respectable.

Here is my proposed dress code for all schools.

1. A shirt, pants, and shoes must be worn.
2. Undergarments should not be exposed.

That’s it.

As long the appropriate body parts are covered, what’s the issue? We are all just trying to get an education.