Maine South Student's Shoulders In Senior Photo Spark Sexism Debate

PARK RIDGE, IL — A rising senior at Maine South has prompted a re-evaluation of the high school's dress code policy after posting a petition highlighting the fact her senior photo was rejected because her shoulders were visible. In the photo in question, 17-year-old Grace Goble wears a yellow sweater, which she described as "modest" in her petition.

Goble said she has worn the shirt to school and school events in the past with no issues. But recently she was informed she needed to take a different senior photo "because my shoulders were showing, which is against the school dress code," she wrote on her Change.org petition.

"I have spent a good majority of my life wondering why exactly women's shoulders are so offensive," she said.

The petition asks Maine South High School to "end the over-sexualization of young women's bodies" by revising the portion of the dress code that requires shoulders to be covered.

With more than 2,700 signatures now attached to the petition, Goble said the school's principal, Benjamin Collins, contacted her to let her know her photo would be included in the year book. She said Collins said he plans to create a student group to consider changes to update the dress code.

Read more from Goble's Change.org petition:

I have spent a good majority of my life wondering why exactly women's shoulders are so offensive.

It is ridiculous that young women aren't allowed to wear the clothing that they wish to wear simply because it could possibly distract someone.

Why must young women be denied the ability to express themselves through their fashion simply because there may be a few people out there who cannot control themselves?

Shaming women for wearing the things that make them feel comfortable and happy in their bodies is horribly sexist, and leads many girls to grow up believing that if another individual cannot control their actions around women, that the woman was at fault.

It is astounding to me that this issue comes up again and again, and not much seems to be done about it. Do not force any more girls to grow up being taught that they must hide their bodies because others cannot control themselves.

Maine Township High School District 207 officials said that they are looking into the district's current relationship with the photo studio but did not comment Tuesday on how the misunderstanding occurred, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The vice president of operations for the photography company that took the photos, HR Imaging/Root Studios, told the Tribune each school's particular photography and dress code guidelines are applied to each photo the company takes, and studio employees inform students if they need to retake their portraits when they appear to violate school rules.

Find the full Maine South policy regarding "inappropriate dress" below:

Students are prohibited from dressing in a manner that may endanger the safety and welfare of any student or staff member, disrupt the school environment, or conflict with acceptable community standards. Wearing of or possessing hats, head covering (excluding for medical or religious reasons), chains, bandanas, headbands, hoods, and outerwear such as jackets and overcoats is prohibited during the school day within the building. To adapt to changes in the meaning associated with clothing and symbols over time, the school reserves the right to make case-by-case determinations of the appropriateness of student clothing and accessories.

Students wearing hats, head covering, and/or outerwear to school must place such items in their locker immediately upon arrival at school and not remove them until they leave the building at the end of their school day Students are expected to wear opaque clothing that covers them from shoulder to approximately mid-thigh. For example, students shall not wear halter tops, garments with thin straps, or strapless garments. Garments that are “see-through,” cut low, or exposes one’s midriff are not acceptable. Skirts and shorts should not be shorter than approximately mid-thigh. Undergarments must not be visible. All pants must fit around the waist and must be properly fastened.

Clothing which displays obscenities, gang affiliation or cult symbols, sexual connotations, drugs, alcohol or violence is prohibited. The wearing of any clothing or accessory that poses a threat and/or hazard to the safety of the student, to others or to property is also prohibited. Shoes which do not mar or damage floors must be worn. Students who are inappropriately dressed for school will be referred by the staff to the dean. The dean will confer with the student and, if necessary, will contact the student's parent(s) or legal guardian to arrange appropriate dress for the student.

Consequences to these infractions may include, but are not limited to, loss of privileges, detentions, reassignment, suspension and/or expulsion.

Top photo: Grace Goble senior photo proofs | via Grace Goble Change.org petition