Another prom season has arrived, and so has the ongoing trend of schools regulating girls’ attire. This time, it was Riverside High School in Jacksonville, Florida, that faced backlash after posting flyers showcasing prom dresses in various styles. Some dresses adhered to the school’s dress code, while others did not. The flyers, titled “Going to Riverside Prom?” labeled compliant dresses with “Yes, you are. Good girl,” and those that violated the dress code, such as backless or high-slit gowns, were marked “No, you’re not.”
The phrase “Good girl?” raises eyebrows. Are they addressing young women or treating them like pets? While dress codes for prom are understandable, the language used is condescending and diminutive. Student Jenna Martinez took to Twitter to share a photo of the controversial flyers. Other students quickly rallied in support, using the hashtag #RiversideGoodGirl to express their outrage.
Student Protest and Administration Response
In response to the flyers, students organized a protest, transforming “Tourists Day” into “Women’s Day,” wearing purple and white to demonstrate against the messaging. Some students even crafted shirts adorned with the female symbol using duct tape.
Fortunately, the school administration recognized the students’ concerns and acted swiftly to withdraw the posters and issue an apology. The school district released a statement clarifying that the flyers were “not sanctioned by the school or the Duval County Public Schools” and that they were “immediately removed.” Principal Angela Smith expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Please accept my apology for this poorly communicated message. Our aim is to ensure prom is a joyful and memorable experience.”
Both students and staff were informed that such language was inappropriate. It’s perplexing that anyone thought the term “good girl” was suitable for young women. However, the remarkable unity displayed by the students led to this positive change. Martinez shared with local news that once the administration understood the offensive nature of the flyers, they quickly acknowledged their mistake. “They didn’t initially grasp how demeaning it was to women. But once they understood, they were apologetic,” she remarked.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the community’s response to the inappropriate flyers at Riverside High School showcases the power of student activism. By standing together, they were able to prompt a swift apology from the administration, highlighting the importance of respectful language and representation for young women.