Two Teenagers Wear The Same Style Of Clothes To School To Expose How Sexist The Dress Code System Really Is

Dr. Alexandra Solomon and Dr. Terri Orbuch are two experts who emphasize the importance of addressing the impact of dress codes on young women. Dr. Solomon states, "Dress codes can often send harmful messages to young girls about their bodies and self-worth," while Dr. Orbuch adds, "Creating a supportive environment where students feel free to express themselves is essential for their emotional well-being." In Illinois, two teenagers, Drew and Kenzie, decided to highlight these issues by wearing crop tops to school as part of an experiment. They documented their experiences and shared the results on social media, shedding light on the ongoing challenges students face regarding dress code policies. A crop top is defined as a "casual garment or undergarment for the upper body, cut short so that it reveals the stomach."

In an interview with Bored Panda, Drew explained his motivation behind pursuing this experiment:

“I believe the reason for the dress codes is not to bring girls down, but rather a way to control them. If teachers and administrators can dictate what they wear, then they have free rein to tell them whatever else they want.”drooscroo

They briefly filmed several moments of the day, including walking into school.

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Moments at their desks.

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And even playfully dancing in front of multiple teachers.

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Actually, most of the day seemed to go really well.

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Alas, in 7th period, Kenzie was written up while Drew made it through the whole day without so much as a single comment.

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A staff member at the school told Kenzie that "her shirt was too revealing," and they instructed her to go to the resource room to change. She told Buzzfeed:

“Honestly, it just makes me want to wear clothes like that more because the standards are so not the same.”

Drew and Kenzie's school dress code prohibits all sorts of things, including:

"crop tops, ripped jeans, spaghetti straps, as well as straps that show ‘too much’ shoulder, dresses, pants, and shorts that are above the knee."

Drew, however, wears things like this all the time.

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In fact, he's filmed himself dressing in ways that violate the dress code numerous times.

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“There were a bunch of comments saying that I should do it with a girl and see if she would get dress-coded. I had known that dress codes had been unfair for a while; I just didn’t know to this extent. I was wearing multiple outfits that were against the code, and they hadn’t said a single thing to me all that week.”

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Drew told Buzzfeed he participated in the experiment, "just to show how biased they really are."

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He also did not expect his video to go as viral as it has, saying:

“I knew the video had potential, and I knew I had to post it to show the biases of dress codes, but I did not expect that much exposure.”drooscroo

He also mentioned that so far, nothing has changed.

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“Sadly, nothing has changed at my school, nor at other schools. Although it’s great that we’re bringing attention to this prevalent issue.”

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Drew also believes that anyone who agrees the dress codes are sexist should take action.

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“Bring awareness and act! Don’t just sit on the sidelines; actually go to school, and when teachers and staff write you or someone you know up, protest!”

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So far, Drew's original video has been liked 2.4 million times, and the subsequent dress code video is approaching its 1 millionth like.

While it may have been a bit surprising for Drew to see the videos go as viral as they have, it's not a new issue... and other Internet users have been responding with enthusiasm.

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It's obviously a conversation that needs to be taken more seriously than ever before.

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Because the double standards are undeniably apparent.

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Elsewhere on social media, people have weighed in with more details, explanations, and experiences regarding how dress code policies have impacted them and made them feel for as long as they've existed, it seems.

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Not to mention the contrast last year's students have that no one before has, with so many classes being held entirely via Zoom.

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Some of these policies are more ridiculous than others, especially if your school is not a public institution.

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Even teachers have weighed in!

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A lot of people who have been targeted by Dress Code Enforcement have done nothing, and I mean nothing, more than exist in their bodies.

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The contrast between experiences is mind-blowing.

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Say it louder, Jon!

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Drew's interest and enthusiasm in these difficult conversations have propelled him into social media notoriety.

You can keep up with him and Kenzie: Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher states, "The way we present ourselves can deeply affect our interactions and relationships." | Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author emphasizes, "Dress codes can create barriers to self-expression and may lead to feelings of inadequacy." | Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist adds, "Navigating the implications of dress codes is essential for developing a strong sense of self and healthy connections with others."

Don't be shy; share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section before you go.