GIRLS FOR GENDER EQUITY RELEASES SUSPENDING SELF-EXPRESSION PART III
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2024
Contact: Naomi Lilly | (443) 813–0103 | media@ggenyc.org
In light of the enactment of Local Law 083 of 2024, Girls for Gender Equity highlights the ongoing bias and limitations in historic New York City dress codes.
NEW YORK — (November 19, 2024) Girls for Gender Equity (GGE) and youth organizers have worked to publish their latest report, “Suspending Self-Expression Part III” to discuss the harmful effects of biased dress code requirements throughout New York City. In the 18-page report, the organization dives deeper into the personal stories of Black girls and gender-expansive youth of color and how the cultural influences of social media shape their experiences with dress codes in schools. GGE youth alumna Rayna Young led the evaluation and research done on school handbooks and dress code policies, which culminated in her own research report.
GGE’s research highlights the stark realities faced by students under current dress code policies. One student, reflecting on their experiences in a school without an enforced dress code, stated, “When I didn’t feel comfortable with my body, I was able to wear clothes that gave me comfort. […] Schools should be a safe space where [students] can explore their style.” This sentiment underscores the critical need for schools to foster environments that prioritize self-expression and individuality rather than stifling it.
Furthermore, GGE alumni voiced concerns over the policing of students’ bodies by educators. As one alumna articulated, “Instead of policing students’ bodies, police the way that teachers look at them.” This powerful statement challenges educators to reflect on their biases and the impact of their scrutiny on students’ self-esteem and identity.
The significance of GGE’s work has garnered attention from influential media outlets, including The New York Times. In a recent article by Ginia Bellafante titled, “When Breaking the Dress Code Depends on Skin Color, and If You’re Skinny,” GGE’s Director of Policy, Quadira Coles, provided crucial insights into how dress codes disproportionately affect marginalized students. Coles noted that certain styles often leave students feeling objectified and scrutinized by teachers more than their peers. “Students deserve the autonomy to dictate their own self-expression,” she emphasized, advocating for policies that honor individuality. Further confirmation regarding students’ ability to express themselves through clothing comes from past GGE program participant, and report co-author Jasmina Salimova, who notes, “I’ve seen how restricting self-expression disproportionately limits young women. Fighting for dress code reform has been my way of breaking those barriers, ensuring we’re not only allowed to express who we are but feel empowered to do so.”
GGE commends the City of New York for enacting bill Int. 0118–2024, which mandates the Department of Education (DoE) to publicly post dress code policies and report on their implementation in DoE schools. This legislative advancement marks a crucial step toward fostering equitable and inclusive educational environments.
“Suspending Self-Expression Part III” represents the culmination of GGE’s ongoing efforts to advocate for systemic change in dress code policies. The report is available for public access [here](insert link), and individuals can follow GGE’s social media channels for the latest updates and initiatives.
Source:
Bellafante, G. (2024, August 16). When breaking the dress code depends on skin color, and if you’re skinny. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/nyregion/nyc-public-schools-dress-code.html
For media inquiries, please contact:
Naomi Lilly
Director of Marketing and Storytelling
Girls for Gender Equity
media@ggenyc.org
