In my own school, dress codes for men were much more strict than they were for women. Most of what women wore would never be allowed by men. The narrative that dress codes are primarily anti-woman largely ignores this. I would argue gender should be completely removed from the equation both in the rule and in its enforcement. If girls can wear tank tops and short shorts, so can guys. If guys are restricted to sleeved shirts and long shorts, so should girls. Let the results end up wherever they end up, knowing the exact same rules are applied to everyone.

I vehemently disagree with the idea of strict dress codes, let alone school uniforms. That being said, if you ARE going to have a bunch of stupid fucking rules, you'd better at least be consistent.

Dress codes are, far more often than not, misogynistic. They advocate for girls, often minors, to cover up out of fear of distracting boys or even grown adult members of staff. This perpetuates a sexist cycle and benefits predators at the expense of young women's education since they often miss class to have to change or are scolded for merely existing. This way of normalising a pedophilic and sexist culture must die as it benefits no one. Boys are demonised and assumed to not be able to concentrate if they see so much as a girl's forearm, while the boys who may actually sexualise these unconsenting girls are let off and validated in their behaviour as she is punished instead. It teaches victim blaming to impressionable minds rather than anything productive. Furthermore, for those students who identify outside of the gender binary, the dress code can trigger dysphoria if they are unable to dress in a way that reflects their identity. It is also generally restrictive and harmful for people who feel confined by the societal obsession with gender roles. For those who are not out at home for example, it can be a needlessly stressful situation. Teachers may have to spend time policing uniforms rather than working to educate, parents must pay sometimes more than they can afford just for a uniform they will soon be discarding. It is more practical and generally beneficial to allow students more choice and freedom because clothes do not equate to learning. Feeling comfortable and able to express yourself without being judged and objectified for your clothes will improve student mental health and subsequently education.