Students across the EPISD district were infuriated by the restrictions and principles implied by school dress codes. As a result, students began to protest in hopes to reform the dress code. At Franklin High School and El Paso High School, protests were large and hosted over 50 students with assertive messages through posters and chants.

At Coronado High School, a dress code protest took place on Aug. 27. The protest gathered over 30 students in the A building courtyard at lunchtime to civilly discuss the issues in the school’s dress code. Students assembled around an elevated surface, where three speakers stood, and took turns voicing their opinions.

Posters and social media posts encouraged participants to speak up on their take of the violations of the dress code. Participants were also encouraged to show up to the protest with “out-of-dress code outfits.”

At the start of the protest, three speakers led the conversation by sharing their opinions.

The first speaker addressed the sexist principles the dress code was built on. According to students, female students have a much higher probability of getting sent home or being told to change because of their outfits.

“The rules target women or people that present themselves as women,” a senior girl said.

The speaker elaborated by saying that the rules were transphobic because of their failure to recognize people’s preferred gender.

“Members of our LGBT community, including myself, were hurting from it so if we let the current policy continue we’d continue to feel uncomfortable in our bodies at school,” senior Abigail Frierson said.

The second speaker stated that the dress code targeted curvier women and therefore is violating and discriminatory and pedophilic to women with certain body types.

“I’m upset that my female friends are objectified for what they wear, especially in a place that is meant to be safe and accepting,” an anonymous senior said.

The third speaker, a senior boy, summarized the conversation and encouraged underclassmen representatives to join the movement.

Coronado students will continue their attempt to reform the school’s rules. A dress code committee consisting of students has been created, and they will be meeting Sept. 3 to discuss amending the dress code.