Sexist clothing: Now a thing of the past

By Torri Kerkman

Last year, the female population here at Bishop Kelly was disgruntled to find that the dress code for mass dress had been revised; requiring girls at every mass day to ONLY wear dresses or skirts. By many, this was seen as an archaic and sexist action that segregated girls from boys. Not only were many girls upset by this seemingly symbolic dress code rule made solely against women, but when winter came around girls were outraged as frigid winds blew skirts skyward and bare exposed legs were frozen.

The decision was made by a board that was led by 2006's Dean of Students ___ Caldwell. Wendy Dalrymple, BK Math teacher, was on the board and said, "It was an issue of respect. Mass Dress is special in respect for god, and when we let girls wear pants, they were wearing normal school wear. So we decided to change it"
Many girls took the dress code change, and, grudgingly or not, accepted it. However, people like BK seniors Katie Husk, and Cydney Middleton, were less than pleased and decided that they were going to do something about it.

Katie is a senior you might see walking down the hall to her debate or AP Chem class in bright colored pants. Like here bright blue and hot pink cheetah print pants, Katie is a unique person. Being on the debate team, and just a rather outspoken and exceptional individual, she is unafraid to speak her mind. And the new dress code was definitely not something she was going to keep quiet about.

" They're [skirts] just so uncomfortable. And seriously? What if I wanted to do a cartwheel? Boys can do cartwheels in THEIR pants! And in the winter it gets cold!" At first, Katie wore her skirt with pants under them in protest, but that was uncomfortable as well. So she put her foot down and made a statement, with last year BK Senior Arielle Medina, and appeared on mass day wearing a pantsuit.

"I got three dress codes and a detention. I finally quit because I didn't want a Saturday school."

Though the administration had the responsibility to disapprove of these clothing protests, Katie's voice, and the voices of many others, were heard and sympathized with.

Sarah Quilici, BK dean of students, said, "It is very uncomfortable. Especially when sitting on the bleachers in the Carley Center during mass. They are very low and even in long skirts, it is very uncomfortable."

Mrs. Quilici was on the board, who this year revised the dress code so that girls may now wear pantsuits along with skirts and dresses. Mrs.Quilici said the choice was made with interest to the female population. What the board is worried about, is the abuse that comes with letting girls wear pants. Mrs. Quilici commented, "The point of mass dress is to wear something special in respect for Our Lord and the time we're spending in Mass. People need to be wearing something nice, and respectful. Not just normal dress code."

So girls, keep it modest and be respectful. Pantsuit means nice slacks with a corresponding blouse and jacket. People have fought and won for women's rights to wear pants. So be proud and wear your pants with class.