A furious Texas mother has condemned her daughter's school for enforcing what she calls a "sexist" dress code after the teenager was sent home for wearing an outfit deemed "distracting."
Shallen Fishel took to social media to share her frustration after her 14-year-old daughter, a student at a Texas middle school, was pulled out of class for wearing a long-sleeved top and leggings. According to Fishel, school officials claimed the outfit violated their dress code policy because it was "too form-fitting" and could "distract" male students.
'This is About Shaming Girls'
"This isn't about clothing—it's about shaming girls for simply existing in their bodies," Fishel wrote in a viral Facebook post. "My daughter wasn't showing any skin, yet she was humiliated in front of her peers and made to feel like her education comes second to how boys might perceive her."
The incident has reignited the debate over school dress codes, with many arguing that such policies disproportionately target female students and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. Critics say these rules often place the burden on girls to prevent "distractions" rather than teaching boys to respect their peers.
School Defends Policy
The school district has defended its dress code, stating that it applies equally to all students and is designed to maintain a "focused learning environment." However, Fishel and other parents argue that the enforcement is inconsistent and unfairly singles out girls.
"If leggings are so distracting, why aren't boys being taught to focus on their work instead of policing what girls wear?" Fishel questioned. "This sends a dangerous message to young girls about their worth."
The controversy has prompted calls for a review of dress code policies in schools across Texas, with some parents urging administrators to adopt more inclusive and less punitive guidelines.
