By Julia Balli, Copy Editor
For years students have been pressuring KUSD board leaders to amend the dress code. Many claim the dress code to be derogatory and sexist for not allowing girls to be able to wear leggings, yoga pants, or have exposed shoulders.
The Women’s Rights and Empowerment Club created a petition on Change.org; taking action and demanding change to what members deemed a dress code. They received over 3,000 signatures.
Finally, changes were made. Yoga pants, leggings, and tank tops are now allowed to be worn at school.
“I am very satisfied with the new dress code. As with anything there has to be compromise and that is exactly what the new dress code represents,” said Alicia Lorta, an Indian Trail High School & Academy senior and club co-president.
“We fought hard for leggings to be allowed as well as tank tops and those were included in the new dress code. The compromise came with the tank tops. We all agreed on allowing tank tops with 1-inch straps,” said Lorta.
Students will no longer be pulled out of class or sent home for dress code violations, and dress code violations will be discussed privately with students so he/she is not called out in front of the class.
“So many ladies are dress coded for simply wearing leggings/yoga pants, and it’s great that the female population is able to be comfortable and not be worried about being sent to the OSM and missing out on their education,” said Molinna Bui, IT senior and club co-president.
Many think this is a major step in equal treatment for girls in school.
“The new dress code is no longer shaming girls. Also, young women and teachers now can focus on teaching the class instead of focusing on these girls’ bodies,” said Victoria Shantz, IT senior and club member.
The revised dress code goes into effect next school year.
Clothing with references to gangs or gang-activity, sexual references, harassment/hate messages, etc. is still not allowed. If a student is wearing clothing that is violating the dress code, they must change their clothing or call in a parent or guardian to bring in appropriate clothing.
“I don’t believe there was anything in the new dress code we wanted that was not included. The school board truly listened to our concerns and kept our wishes in mind. We respected this and felt our voices were being heard,” said Lorta.
Indian Trail students appreciate the hard work completed by the club.
“I am most proud of all the work the Women’s Empowerment Club has put to achieve our goals. This now allows more students to feel comfortable at school. The board was very generous in the compromise as well,” said Grace Chappa, an Indian Trail General Studies sophomore.
The change in dress code was uplifting to many students in the KUSD district. Students are finally feeling like they are being heard.
“I feel it is important for students to take the new dress code as progression,” said. Lorta. “As youth, sometimes we feel our voices and concerns don’t matter, but the dress code is a good example saying that what we feel and think DOES matter. I strongly believe in the youth promoting change and I hope what the school saw with us and the new dress code reaffirmed this idea.”