Talent doesn’t have a dress code, so why should we?

South’s policy on athletic uniforms is outdated and unnecessary. It is unfair that some of the Patriot athletic unforms the girls have to wear are often tighter and more revealing that the ones for the boys.

Coming from the Sophomore Vice President, I think it’s time our voices are heard. 

The immodesty that comes with present-day uniforms causes limitations among students. The personal values and religious principles of a significant percentage of Parkway students restricts them from wearing revealing outfits. If South High wants to be seen as “inclusive” then continuing to have athletic uniforms that clearly exclude certain groups is not the way to go. If a student’s culture or beliefs prevents him/her from the opportunity that another student has access to, then change must be made. 

At South, an estimated 700 students participate in a sport every year according to Athletic Director Matt Roach. That is 45% of the entire school. This large percentage of people’s opinions are being ignored. As the years pass with no change, their optimism lessens. As well as the beginning of every season, those who are considering participating, may stop at the cost of being uncomfortable in their uniform. Our school is constantly telling students to “get involved,” but how are we supposed to if the school refuses to accommodate us? Not only is it unfair, it is a problem not many people think about. As a Muslim student, our principles are often ignored. For a school as big as South, with such a large Muslim population, you’d think diversity would be a priority. If you look at all the sports team pictures in the yearbook, you won’t notice many Muslim girls. And religion should matter. Some students want to dress modestly and some don’t. Modesty is a personal choice that South’s athletic program should respect.

In general, sports uniforms, with a few exceptions, consist of a tank top and shorts. While the mens’ are more forgiving, women’s outfits are nothing short of skimpy. In recent years over-sexualizing women has become a trend so common, no one pays a second thought.–everyone except for those on the short end of the stick. Bottoms that lie mid-thigh and tight tops make dressing modestly impossible. The fact that there is no option, requiring underage girls to compete in revealing clothing, is nauseating. Additionally, the widespread application of modesty throughout our school would provide a professional atmosphere, allowing players to focus on the sport rather than if they look a certain way.

People may say that sport teams should not have alternatives to have team cohesivity. However, it is hard to believe that this comes before our athletes’ comfortability. Every student should feel at ease and be able to participate in any of the activities a school offers. Rejecting the idea of modest alternatives essentially puts certain students at a disadvantage. Culture shouldn’t define capability, and yet we still suffer the effects. 

Students at South want to represent their school in athletics. They shouldn’t have to choose between their Patriot Pride and their personal beliefs.