Missouri House Modifies Dress Code
Let me explain the reaction.
Last week, the internet was abuzz regarding a revision to the dress code of the Missouri House of Representatives, adding a requirement for women representatives, of which there are 43 out of 159 total members, to wear a “jacket — defined as a blazer, cardigan, or knit blazer.” The existing dress code for the institution already required the male members to wear a jacket, shirt, and tie, but no requirement of a “jacket” previously existed for women.
Using the “equality” argument, the measure, ironically championed by female Representative Ann Kelley, passed with a vote of 105 to 51, despite vehement objections from a minority of primarily female house members, who cited the measure as pointless and misogynistic.
Sing it, ladies!
Why should the standards set for men not apply to women?
Wrong question.
What we should be asking is, “Why does such a policy still exist at all?”
These Madmen-era requirements are antiquated and overreaching for all members. But instead of taking a progressive, unifying step of eliminating them, the Missouri house chose to broaden the policy.
Dress codes may sometimes be necessary and effective within schools, for children and teenagers too young to be…
