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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My teen has been playing in the orchestra since they were in early elementary.  They love playing it's something they have found solace in during some really tough times.  They know they aren't ever going to be a professional, but it's something they enjoy and we encourage.

This year, they have a new teacher who is very old school about music.  I've told my child that not everyone is going to be supportive of how they choose to live (non-binary) and they really have gotten to a place in their life where they are ok with judgement.  There is a big recital coming up (their first with the new teacher) and the teacher is [b]forcing all girls to wear dresses[/b] and boys to wear pants.  She (the teacher) has told my child since they are a girl, they must wear a skirt.  My child does not identify that way an wants to wear pants.  They were told - no skirt, no performance (which means an F in the class).  I'm outraged but my child doesn't want to make a big deal out of it.

Not sure what to do - they plan to wear a skirt, but I know they are upset because I hear them on the phone with a friend discussing it.  I'm just so pissed about the whole thing. [/quote]

Are you in public school? Write a letter to the principal and cc the teacher, the Title IX coordinator for the school system, and your local ACLU chapter. Explain that requiring specific dress code by gender is a violation of Title IX and the equal protection clause of the Constitution.  Close your letter by saying that you expect the teacher to confirm in class within 48 hours that students may choose either the pants or a skirt performance attire option. I guarantee you, if yoh email those 4 people, the problem will be fixed pronto.

See more from the ACLU - https://www.aclu.org/news/womens-rights/4-things-public-schools-can-and-cant-do-dress-codes
“Dress codes can’t be explicitly discriminatory. That means that while dress codes may specify types of attire that are acceptable, these requirements may not differ based on students’ gender, race, religion, or other protected characteristics. Under federal laws protecting against discrimination in education – including Title IX, Title VI, and the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection guarantee, public schools cannot enforce a dress code based on gender- or race-based stereotypes about appropriate dress or appearance. For example, a public school cannot require girls, and only girls, to wear skirts or dresses, or require boys, but not girls, to wear short hair. This also goes for special events and occassions – such as prom, graduation, or yearbook photos. For example, while a public school can require “formal attire” to be worn at special events, it may not require that girls, and only girls, wear gowns – or that boys, and only boys, wear a suit.

Honestly, if I were your daughter I would be organizing the entire orchestra to cross-dress just to prove a point. [/quote]

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