The following email was sent to Mr. Troy Kilzer II, director of schools, Chester County concerning the sex discrimination faced by student Hannah Wooley.  Hannah refused to wear a drape for her senior picture.  WBBJ has the story at this link.  We were limited to 1000 characters at this form and received no confirmation that the email went through.  So in case it was not received, this is our message.

Dear Mr. Kilzer:

We urge you to change any policies and practices related to yearbook photographs based upon sex discrimination and to issue an apology to Hannah Wooley.

The principal told WBBJ that girls must wear drapes while boys must wear tuxedos. You say it is a longstanding practice, not a written policy.  In either case, two things are clear.  You are acting as an agent of the government. And you are engaging in sex discrimination when you require certain kinds of clothing based on sex stereotypes. To do right by students and avoid litigation, any discriminatory policies or enforced practices must end.

Curiously the practice of forcing girls to wear drapes may violate your own school dress policy that requires shirts with collars. See CCBOE Policy 6.310 . That would mean that Hannah was in compliance with the written policy of your district.

Prudence and justice dictate your speedy resolution of this wrong.

Gratefully yours,

Chris Sanders

Executive Director

Tennessee Equality Project