In a stunning display of outdated gender norms, a preschool in Texas has mandated that its three and four-year-old girls wear what it calls “modesty shorts” beneath their jumpers. This curious requirement was highlighted by a concerned mother, Linda Thompson, who shared her experience while searching for the right preschool for her daughter.
During her visit to the school, Thompson encountered the following directive for the students attending chapel: “Chapel will be held on Thursday mornings at 8:20 am. All Pre-K students must wear chapel uniforms. Girls are required to wear modesty shorts under their jumpers.” Thompson expressed her frustration, saying, “I have no idea what modesty shorts are, but they sound constricting and inherently sexist. While I understand the importance of ensuring my daughter is appropriately dressed for school, I fundamentally disagree with a policy that implies her body is something to be regulated and policed.”
What Exactly Constitutes “Modesty Shorts”?
It seems to be just as the name suggests—a pair of shorts worn beneath girls’ jumpers to prevent any accidental glimpses of their My Little Pony underwear. This dress code raises questions about the underlying concern: Are we truly worried that a very young child might inadvertently reveal her underwear to peers or teachers? The very notion seems absurd.
To exacerbate the issue, boys appear to be exempt from such restrictions, whether in preschool or higher education. Supporters of this policy might argue that since boys don’t wear jumpers, they aren’t included in the dress code. But let’s be real; have any of us seen little boys with their pants sagging during storytime? From my time volunteering, I can assure you that it happens frequently, and no one bats an eye. These young boys, like all children, should be carefree and oblivious to any worries about their bodies. Yet here we have a clear case of young girls being singled out and reminded to cover up, learning about “modesty” before they even understand what it means.
The Impact on Young Girls
At just three years old, a girl should be free to focus on the joys of childhood—playing, learning, and exploring—without the added pressure of worrying about modesty. In stark contrast, her male classmates are allowed to be uninhibited. The idea that a child must wear shorts to avoid any accidental exposure is not only ridiculous but deeply troubling. These young girls should feel no shame about their bodies.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the implementation of “modesty shorts” for preschool girls highlights a troubling trend of instilling outdated notions of modesty at an early age, while boys remain largely exempt from similar scrutiny. Children should be free to enjoy their youth without the burden of societal expectations about their bodies.