Dear Dolly,
There is a teacher at school who is making me feel really uncomfortable. They are always calling me out for “inappropriate clothing” (basically you can see my bra strap sometimes) but it’s always me that they pick on. The boys can walk around school with half-naked girls on their t-shirts and weed baseball caps and they don’t get in trouble, yet showing a bit too much of my shoulders is suddenly “distracting to others and inappropriate for school”. I’ve tried confronting the teacher about it but they just got more mad at me. What should I do?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
That doesn’t sound like a particularly nice teacher you’ve got there. The hypocrisy surrounding dress codes is a widespread issue, so unfortunately, you’re not the first to experience something like this. Talking to your teacher clearly didn’t work, but you might want to consider taking this to a higher-up figure of authority. Talk to your year head if you’re comfortable, otherwise you can always find another teacher who you can trust. If this teacher continues to make you feel uncomfortable then there is always the option to discuss the issue with administration.
I also advise you to read up on the school rules when it comes to dress code. If you are indeed violating the dress code, then unfortunately that teacher does have grounds to reprimand you. You can always ask to change the rules if you feel they are unfair but make sure you have a solid argument and preferably support from your peers.
Another reason why should know these rules by heart is to provide back up when you are being picked on. If the boys are indeed, as you say, wearing inappropriate clothing themselves then you can use the defined school rules to call out your teacher on their hypocrisy.
Best of luck,
Dolly
