1. Dress Code Sexism
Maryssa Soots

2. There is nothing wrong with a dress code unless:
Girls become more targeted than guys
A girl’s body becomes sexualized, often regardless of age
The exposure of a girl’s body part is deemed a distraction

3. Sexual Objectification Theory
“postulates that many women are sexually objectified and treated as an object to be valued for its use. SO occurs when a woman’s body or body parts are singled out and separated from her as a person and she is viewed primarily as a physical object of male sexual desire”
Bartky, S. L. (1990). Femininity and domination: Studies in the phenomenology of oppression. New York, NY: Routledge.

5. “Judgments” By Rosea Posey found on society6.com

6. What’s Wrong with Sexist Dress Codes?
Promotes Rape Culture
Fosters slut-shaming

7. Rape Culture
“Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture.” (Marshall.edu)

9. Examples of Rape Culture
Guys being pressured by their peers to have sex
The tolerance of rape jokes
Women being called prudes when they deny sexual advances
Sexual assault prevention education programs focusing on women being told to take measures to prevent rape, instead of men being told not to rape

10. Sexualized Distractions
Girls are often told that their bodies are sexual and need to be covered
Girls don’t deserve respect if they wear revealing clothing
Men are consumers and women are objects
Guys are taught that they aren’t responsible for ogling women and being “distracted”
She “asked for it” based on what she was wearing
-contributes to victim blaming

11. Slut Shaming
Slut-shaming is being labeled a sexually out-of- control girl or woman (a "slut" or "ho") and being punished socially for possessing this identity. Slut- shaming is sexist because only girls and women are called to task for their sexuality, whether real or imagined; boys and men are congratulated for the exact same behavior. This is the essence of the sexual double standard: Boys will be boys, and girls will be sluts. (Tanenbaum)

12. Impact of Slut Shaming
“Girls are often left with a sense of deep humiliation, shame, embarrassment, worthlessness and pain. They also may resort to self- bullying and eating disorders to cope with pain. And many have body-image issues. Even depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide are linked to slut shaming.” (Gordon)

13. Stop Slut Shaming Discuss sexting and sexual bullying
Remind people that despite someone’s sexual behavior, slut shaming is unacceptable

15. Stop Dress Code Sexism Protest
Some students are launching social media campaigns (ish)
Reduce the pressure on girls to “be sexy”
Encouraging girls to be comfortable in their own skin
Encouraging girls to wear whatever makes them feel good
Don’t to impress anyone but themselves