Written by Kaden West, Staff Writer
After the Women’s Empowerment Club successfully pushed for a change to the Kenosha Uni ed School District dress code policy, many students were unsure what the club would tackle next.
But club leaders have made it clear that they do not plan on slowing down any time soon.
In 2017, Women’s Empowerment collected 3,000 signatures on a petition to change the KUSD dress code. Since then, the school board voted to revise the dress code in order to make it less degrading toward students.
The club petition for change stated that the previous dress code was “derogatory in that it disproportionately targets female students and belittles the male student’s self-control.”
The new dress code policy, which took effect in the 2018-19 school year, allows leggings and yoga pants to be worn as bottoms; bottoms (including skirts, shorts) as short as mid-thigh length; and sleeveless shirts and tank tops as long as the strap is at least 1 inch in width. All privates and undergarments are to be covered at all times.
So what are the club’s plans now that the dress code has been successfully changed?
Club leader Grace Chapa, an Indian Trail High School& Academy senior in the Med-Sci Academy, is interested in tackling more issues at the school through events and discussion topics during club meeting time. The club may try to address making feminine hygiene products, such as pads and tampons, free and easily accessible in the women’s restroom. The logistics have yet to be figured out, but it is currently a hot topic in the club, Chapa said.
“We’ve had more members come this year than ever before,” she said.
She and two other leaders, Noelle Sporer and Emily June, both Med-Sci Academy seniors, as well as the club members are all passionate about what they’re doing and are excited to see where the club will head. They may host a holiday drive so underprivileged children have the opportunity to receive presents this holiday season, as well as attend the Women’s March in Chicago. In 2020, two Chicago marches are planned — one in January and another in October.
“We have a lot of ideas and we’re really passionate about being involved in our school and our community this year,” Chapa said.
The club is recruiting new members in order to increase the outlook and diversity within the club. Katie Phillips, the club adviser and an IT English teacher, expressed interest in seeing new, open-minded individuals come to the meetings and participate.
“I want to make sure people come in with some idea of free thought,” Phillips said.
The club is open to all students — not just women — willing to view life from multiple perspectives and opinions. Members aim to collaborate in order to produce more well-rounded and fully educated students for the benefit of the school and students’ futures.
Meetings are every Thursday in Room 1306.