Help Reduce Gender Bias Ideology In School

   The fact that males attending Red Oak High School are not permitted to wear earrings during school (punishable offense) has recently been brought to my attention during a class meeting orated by Dr. Doug Funk, our school's principal. While I can understand, slightly, why someone would instill this rule (ear jewelry has been known as a way for males to silently express sexual preference in the past), no one can deny the fact that this is indeed teaching high schoolers to conform to sexist ideals, while promoting the idea that you must be someone, or act a certain way, because society tells you to. Raising children with fixed ideas about what should be considered “masculine” and “feminine,” and punishing them for venturing across those boundaries at school, only teaches them that there is no room for expression in the professional world.

   We should acknowledge that going against norms can be difficult but that taking the path of least resistance is often not a good choice either. In fact, in my mind young people who are able to look at what is expected of them and say “thanks but no thanks” ought to be applauded for having the courage of their conviction (in some cases anyway).

  I understand that ear jewelry can seem like a silly thing to fight for, and it may be, but the jewelry isn't the problem- it is the underlying message being given to the students.

   With that being stated, I, as a member of the student body, am starting this petition to advocate for the male right to wear earrings in school.