Lauren Wiggins, Moncton teen, takes stand against 'unjust' school dress code

[Igster]

Thought this might make for "fun" discussion.

A Moncton, N.B., teenager is taking a stand against "unjust standards" after she received a detention for breaking the dress code at Harrison Trimble High School, and then a one-day suspension for complaining to the vice-principal.

Lauren Wiggins, 17, says she was told the full-length halter dress she wore to school on Monday was considered "inappropriate" and a "sexual distraction" to fellow male students.

But the Grade 12 student contends the dress code is a symptom of "rape culture" — a climate that blames women for the sexist behaviours of others.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...code-1.3071203

[OutOfTheCube]

That's considered out of bounds now? Geez, junior high and high school must suck these days. I remember the wonderful days when the warm weather would finally hit at the end of the school year and all the girls would break out the short shorts and low cut tops. And I graduated in 2007. The world has gone crazy.

[dubc80]

Nothing wrong with her outfit. Not too revealing at all.

But the school rules are the school rules. Gotta follow 'em.
Don't like them? Find a different school.

[Resolute 14]

The cow ring she is wearing is far more offensive than the dress.

Just another case of stupid school is stupid.

[calgarygeologist]

Rules are rules. She didn't follow them and must suffer the consequences. The rules and guidelines might be too strict and conservative but it is what it is.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheCube

That's considered out of bounds now? Geez, junior high and high school must suck these days. I remember the wonderful days when the warm weather would finally hit at the end of the school year and all the girls would break out the short shorts and low cut tops. And I graduated in 2007. The world has gone crazy.

Take it easy old man. This one school not the world.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by dubc80

Nothing wrong with her outfit. Not too revealing at all.

But the school rules are the school rules. Gotta follow 'em.
Don't like them? Find a different school.

Or... work to change them?

[Byrns]

What a great world we live in that this is news...

[MrMastodonFarm]

17 year olds look like hot 21 year old hipster girls now?

God dammit.

[nik-]

all these "those are the rules" posts are hilarious. Stupid rules shouldn't be just accepted because they're already in place.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

17 year olds look like hot 21 year old hipster girls now?

God dammit.

Yeah, I am going to have to ask myself to take a seat.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Violating a dress code is one thing, but the idiotic rationale about 'sexual distraction' is another. Principal clearly has the mindset that women who dress a certain way are 'asking for it'. The stiffer punishment for 'arguing' is quite telling as well. Sounds like the principal is on a power trip and is most likely a rightwing nutbar to boot. It's scary the caliber of people that can rise to positions of power in our schools. It's probably just an issue of not enough quality people to go around to fill these positions but it is a shame we have people like this in positions of power in the school system.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I'm with her, but I don't think the use of the term "rape culture" is helpful here. Better off filing this under patriarchal attempt to control female sexuality.

PS: I am, however, in favour of suspending her for using the non-word "uncomforting" in a formal letter.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by nik-

all these "those are the rules" posts are hilarious. Stupid rules shouldn't be just accepted because they're already in place.

In some cases it is really not worth the fight. This is a case where it is probably best to just go along with the rules.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

In some cases it is really not worth the fight. This is a case where it is probably best to just go along with the rules.

She's wearing a perfectly moderate dress. If the rules forbid that, then no, it's not best to just go along with the rules.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

17 year olds look like hot 21 year old hipster girls now?

God dammit.

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Yeah, I am going to have to ask myself to take a seat.

She'll be 18 on Wednesday if that's any consolation. Also, I agree with her 100%. She shouldn't be held responsible because a bunch of dudes can't stop oggling her.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

In some cases it is really not worth the fight. This is a case where it is probably best to just go along with the rules.

Okay. Why in this case is it probably best to just go along with the rules?

[Weitz]

If anything the cow ring should be outlawed.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I'm with her, but I don't think the use of the term "rape culture" is helpful here. Better off filing this under patriarchal attempt to control female sexuality.

I think there's a definitely a component of rape culture involved. The school is basically saying that men can't control themselves, so it's up to women to dress appropriately, which if you follow the chain inevitably ends at the "she was asking for it" conclusion.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Yeah, the term "sexual distraction" doesn't help but I think it's more likely that we're in old curmudgeonly "a lady must be modest in public" territory - more of the seen-but-not-heard vein of sexism.

Partly though it's just that I hate the term "rape culture".