Brooklyn Tech students protest over dress code

Citing unfair enforcement of their school's dress-code policy and sexism, some Brooklyn Technical High School students tested limits with their clothing. Junior Aniqa Tasnim led the protest at the

News 12 Staff

May 26, 2016, 7:20 AM

Updated 2,904 days ago

Share:

Brooklyn Tech students protest over dress code
Citing unfair enforcement of their school's dress-code policy and sexism, some Brooklyn Technical High School students tested limits with their clothing.
Junior Aniqa Tasnim led the protest at the Fort Greene school. Tasnim said she and hundreds of her classmates participated in the protest on Wednesday. They said larger girls and girls of color are reprimanded for their attire, but skinny and white students aren't. Boys are never reprimanded for their clothing, according to Tasnim.
"I think it's harmful to call and categorize a woman as 'distracting' or 'inappropriate' because not only does it lower their self-esteem, but it also prioritizes boys' education over girls' education," said Tasnim.
Teenagers at the school claim that school administrators have said to them "you're an embarrassment, you'll never get into college like that. No one will respect you at your job..."
Tasnim posted pictures on Facebook wearing a dress covered in comments like these. She said the comments are not only demeaning, but "racist, sexist and harmful."
Many of Tasnim's peers joined in by showing up to school on Wednesday wearing outfits that were in violation of the dress code in protest. 
The teens said they understand that a dress code is needed, but they questioned how fairly the dress code is enforced. Tasnim says it makes women cover up so boys don't get distracted. She thinks that this "PG" policy only works to put women down. 
"Honestly, I tried to look at their side," she said. "And I don't think it's valid. I think it's more about policing girls than protecting them."
School officials plan to meet with the student council, but students said they don't hold high hopes for a positive outcome.
The Department of Education wouldn't speak about the situation, but it said schools that don't have uniforms determine their own policies. According to the DOE, students can wear what they like as long as their clothes aren't distracting, offensive or dangerous, of if they interfere with the learning and teaching process.


More from News 12
1:17
Authorities: 2 teen suspects wanted in connection to Williamsburg stabbing

Authorities: 2 teen suspects wanted in connection to Williamsburg stabbing

1:52
STORM WATCH: Mild and humid for NYC today; tracking scattered showers

STORM WATCH: Mild and humid for NYC today; tracking scattered showers

0:25
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie opening an exploratory committee to consider running for mayor

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie opening an exploratory committee to consider running for mayor

0:41
Bronx, Brooklyn smoke shops included in NYC crackdown on illegal sales of cannabis

Bronx, Brooklyn smoke shops included in NYC crackdown on illegal sales of cannabis

1:56
City efforts Bike Bus initiative to promote safe cycling for students in NYC

City efforts Bike Bus initiative to promote safe cycling for students in NYC

1:47
Prospect Park Zoo nears reopening after almost 8 months

Prospect Park Zoo nears reopening after almost 8 months

0:27
East Flatbush friends, neighbors mourn loss of teen fatally shot in Manhattan

East Flatbush friends, neighbors mourn loss of teen fatally shot in Manhattan

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

0:27
NYC Ferry brings 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' onboard with Hogwarts-branded ferries

NYC Ferry brings 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' onboard with Hogwarts-branded ferries

1:29
Attorney discusses difficulties tenants could face following Bushwick fire

Attorney discusses difficulties tenants could face following Bushwick fire

1:53
Moving forward: Runner describes emotional, physical recoveries ahead of RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon

Moving forward: Runner describes emotional, physical recoveries ahead of RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon

1:50
NYPD: Man found floating in Coney Island Channel pronounced dead

NYPD: Man found floating in Coney Island Channel pronounced dead

0:25
MTA announces new strategy to improve transit infrastructure for B and D train lines

MTA announces new strategy to improve transit infrastructure for B and D train lines

0:24
NYPD: Man wanted for shooting 19-year-old in Bushwick

NYPD: Man wanted for shooting 19-year-old in Bushwick

0:31
Member of Trinitarios gang sentenced to life for murder of Bronx man on Long Island

Member of Trinitarios gang sentenced to life for murder of Bronx man on Long Island

1:52
UFT: More than 850 Title I schools have the space to meet NY’s class size law

UFT: More than 850 Title I schools have the space to meet NY’s class size law

0:26
NYPD: 4 men wanted in connection to Brownsville shooting; 1 man injured

NYPD: 4 men wanted in connection to Brownsville shooting; 1 man injured

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

0:18
NYPD to host free catalytic converter theft prevention event

NYPD to host free catalytic converter theft prevention event

1:19
Get a look at the new public park coming to Downtown Brooklyn

Get a look at the new public park coming to Downtown Brooklyn