Updated: Sep. 20, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 20, 2023
Today, while going through my son’s backpack, I stumbled upon a collection of crumpled notes and forms. Among them were flyers for local music lessons, a PTO signup sheet, and an intriguing homework assignment from gym class.
The assignment included a section about Picture Day, emphasizing the importance of being a “role model” and suggesting students plan their outfits carefully. However, the real shocker was a point system – “Girls in skirts or dresses will earn 25 points, while girls and boys in nice pants and collared shirts will earn just 15 points.”
I had to reread it to absorb the absurdity of it all. My initial reaction was pure disbelief, followed by a wave of anger. The thought of addressing this issue made me anxious, as I generally prefer to avoid conflict. I have often been that parent who stays quiet to maintain a friendly rapport with the school, even when something seems off. But this time felt different.
Sure, my son loves wearing dress clothes, but that’s not the point. The message being sent is outdated and harmful. It implies that a girl’s worth is tied to her appearance and adherence to traditional gender norms. As someone who is studying social work, I know it’s essential to speak up against injustices, regardless of whether they directly impact me or my child.
So, I decided to draft a message to the principal of my son’s school.
What I wished to express:
“Seriously? You’re telling my child they need to wear a dress to get extra credit? It’s 2023! This is incredibly sexist and inappropriate!”
What I actually wrote:
Good morning,
I hope this message finds you well. This is my first time reaching out to you during my son’s six years at this school. Typically, I trust that the educators are making the right choices for our children. However, I felt compelled to address a glaring issue I discovered in the recent homework assignment from gym class.
The assignment states that “Girls wearing skirts or dresses will earn 25 points,” while “Girls and boys in nice pants and collared shirts will earn only 15 points.” This is alarming. The idea that girls should wear dresses to receive recognition is not only antiquated but also discourages them from expressing their individuality. It sends the harmful message that a girl’s value is linked to her appearance.
In a society that promotes authenticity and individual expression, penalizing a child for their clothing choices is unacceptable. Not all girls feel comfortable or confident in dresses, and many successful women have never worn one.
I feel strongly about this issue, even though my son planned to wear a dress on Picture Day regardless. I’ve always taught him the importance of standing up for what’s right, even if it doesn’t affect him directly.
As someone who values inclusivity and acceptance, I’m disappointed that the school isn’t promoting these ideals. I hope we can work together to address this concern.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
After sending the email, I was a bundle of nerves, but the principal replied within 36 minutes, thanking me for my feedback and promising to discuss it with the gym teacher. I felt a sense of relief but still anxious about the implications of my actions.
Later that day, while at the school to pick up my son, I encountered the gym teacher who created the assignment. She approached me, wanting to discuss the situation. I felt a surge of anxiety, but I remembered that she might not even know about my message yet.
During our conversation, she mentioned plans to revise the assignment to better align with contemporary values. However, she expressed disappointment that I had escalated the matter directly to the principal. It was clear she felt I had put her in a difficult position.
I left feeling somewhat bullied but proud that I had voiced my concerns. I followed up with the principal, clarifying that it was never my intention to cause trouble, just to ensure all children are treated fairly, regardless of their clothing choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you might be unpopular. Remember, self-acceptance is far more important than seeking approval from others.
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Summary
In this piece, a concerned parent addresses a sexist gym assignment that rewards girls for wearing dresses over pants. Through a thoughtful email to the principal, she emphasizes the harmful implications of such gender norms and advocates for fairness and individuality among students.
Keyphrase: Addressing Gender Norms in Schools
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