FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Some Frederick County students are protesting what they call a body-shaming dress code.
The Frederick News-Post reports that a dozen eighth-graders came to Urbana Middle School Wednesday wearing baggy, yellow T-shirts reading, "I am more than just a distraction."
The shirts are similar to those issued as cover-ups to girls whose school attire is deemed too revealing.
The students say the dress code teaches girls that it's their fault if they're sexually assaulted.
School district spokesman Michael Doerrer says the cover-ups are not punishment. Middle-school instructional chief Tom Saunders says the policy is meant to ensure a safe, nurturing learning environment.
Parents are divided. Maile Beers-Arthur says she's pleased that her twin daughters are learning about peaceful protests and free-speech rights after being lectured about the dress code.