05/22/2014
What would Whitworth do?
18-year-old Jessica Urbina wore a stylist tuxedo and a beaming smile in her high school portrait but she was told recently by school officials that her picture would not appear in the class yearbook due to the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s rule that girls must appear in dresses for yearbook photos. In response, masses of students -- both girls and boys -- wore ties to class in solidarity with Jessica last Friday and her brother ran a Twitter campaign to support her, attracting supportive messages from around the world. On Monday, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory issued an apology to Jessica and announced a reversal in their dress code policy.
Jessica, a graduating senior, regularly wears traditionally male clothes, even wearing the same tux in the picture to her prom. None of her classmates were at all surprised that she opted to wear the tux in her portrait, which was taken last fall. But when it became clear that the original picture would not appear in the yearbook, Jessica’s brother Michael started the campaign on Twitter.
Many of her classmates also wore ties to school on Friday in support, and others have been tweeting their own pictures wearing ties using the hashtag. Jessica’s girlfriend, Katie Emanuel, was one of the tie-wearing students, and said, “I support my girlfriend. I love my school, and I want to make it as good as it can be for people like us.”
In a public statement yesterday, the school president and principal wrote that "Jessica’s senior portrait will appear in all the same venues as all other senior portraits." They also stated, "We agree with our students who showed solidarity with their classmate that the current policy regarding senior portraits is not adequate to meet the needs of our families or our mission. We will involve our students, families, and Board in crafting the updated policy."
The school officials further acknowledged, "While we believe SHC to be a safe and supportive environment for all, this situation has reminded us that we still have much growth to achieve. While many gay and le***an alumni and students have commented on the inclusive, supportive aspect of our school community, others have remarked on some prejudice that still exists. As a school, we must better learn how to support our students who are navigating issues of gender identity."
Jessica and her family are thrilled with the school's decision. In a statement released today, they expressed gratitude to the school for its decision and responsiveness. They also sent their thanks to everyone who "bravely rose in solidarity with Jessica," stating that "You have all provided Jessica and our family with vast amounts of love, support, and inspiration. Your heartfelt stories and words of encouragement, struggle, and triumph have been sources of great comfort during this emotional time. To all of you, who showed the world the power of social media and passionate activism, we thank you!"
A Mighty Girl congratulates Jessica, her brother Michael, and all of those who stood in support of her! And, we commend Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory for providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all of its students.
To read the school's statement, visit http://bit.ly/1j3cz3K
For two excellent picture books about famous women of the past who challenged dress codes for women, check out “You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer!” for ages 5 to 8 (http://www.amightygirl.com/you-forgot-your-skirt-amelia-bloomer) and “Mary Walker Wears The Pants: The True Story of the Doctor, Reformer, and Civil War Hero” for ages 6 to 9 (http://www.amightygirl.com/mary-walker-wears-the-pants).
For more true stories of more inspiring girls and women who worked to change the world, visit our “Activist” section in Biographies at http://www.amightygirl.com/books/history-biography/biography?cat=207
For books that promote acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ people, check out our blog post "True Colors: Mighty Girl Books for Pride Month" at http://www.amightygirl.com/blog/?p=3800
And, for stories for children and teens that highlight the value of being yourself, visit A Mighty Girl's “Individuality” section at http://www.amightygirl.com/books/personal-development/values?cat=338
