Why Is A Utah High School Freaking Out Over This Dress?

At school dances, teachers tend to be on high-alert mode. After all, they’ve got to make sure the hanky panky is kept to a minimum, and nobody pulls a Glee and spikes the punch bowl. But, when Utah high schooler Gabi Finalyson got called out last week for her “inappropriate” dress at a dance, it raised some serious questions — and not only because her timeless ensemble was about as modest they come. Finalyson bought the classic cream dress on a family trip to Paris, because, as MTV Style reports, “it reminded her of Audrey Hepburn.” The beaded lace dress had a high neckline, came down past her knees, and adhered to the school’s “2-inch minimum shoulder strap” rules. And yet, officials still stopped her at the door and told her she couldn't enter unless she put on a sweater or coat to cover her shoulders. Finalyson told Today, “I still stayed at the dance because it had been something I looked forward to, but I did feel really embarrassed and ashamed. It was hard for me because that was a night I was supposed to feel really beautiful and special. This was really hurtful and it made me feel like I wasn’t good enough.” Rather than slinking into the corner, though, the teenager and her mom, Kristy Maxfield Kimball, are turning this ridiculous decision into a opportunity to address a surprisingly common issue. Her mother posted on Facebook, “Makes me wonder if this really isn't about wanting girls to dress in LDS garment-worthy clothing," referring to the conservative dress worn by many observant Mormons. She went on, "Let's stop this insanity. Girls' bodies are not sexual objects, and religious perspectives should not be imposed at a public school.”  As Finalyson put it perfectly, girls should be celebrated, not shamed: “Maybe instead of teaching girls that they should cover themselves up, we should be teaching boys that we’re not sex objects that they can look at.” Way to go, Gabi. We're with you. (MTV Style)