Schoolgirls protest dress code they say teaches body shame
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Some schoolgirls are protesting what they call a body-shaming dress code in Frederick County, Maryland.
The Frederick News-Post (http://bit.ly/2bMlKex ) reports that a dozen eighth-graders came to Urbana Middle School Wednesday wearing baggy, yellow T-shirts reading, "I am more than just a distraction."
The shirts are similar to those issued as cover-ups to girls whose school attire is deemed too revealing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The students say the dress code teaches girls that it's their fault if they're sexually assaulted.
School district spokesman Michael Doerrer says the cover-ups are not punishment. Middle-school instructional chief Tom Saunders says it's meant to ensure a safe, nurturing learning environment.
Parents are divided.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Maile (MY'-lee) Beers-Arthur says she's pleased her twin daughters are learning about peaceful protests and free-speech rights after being lectured about the dress code.
___
Information from: The Frederick (Md.) News-Post, http://www.fredericknewspost.com