This documentary addresses how dress code policies negatively impacts black girls in DC public and charter schools. With the help of the National Women's Law Center, twenty one girls co-authored a report, Dress Coded: Black girls, bodies, and bias in DC Schools, which lead to the making of the film. 

Juror comments: This short film gives us a window on what school dress code policies do to self-esteem and cultural perceptions in Washington DC schools where black girls are more than 20 times more likely to be suspended for inappropriate dress than white girls.  

The film follows a diverse group of black girls speaking telling stories about how discriminatory forced uniform wearing is that neither fits their cultural style or their body types.

Each girl explains why the uniforms are a tough call for them – from being overweight to sexy and curvy. The girls speak about how they feel judged and the frustrations they have trying to buy new shirts and tone down their “eye catching” figures to fit into the mainstream. I love the powerful women shown here and hats off to the director for giving a voice to this issue; it’s one that crosses state lines to the gender issue at large. The production values of this film are good; lots of steady camera close-ups of girls in various spaces around the school. The audio varies a little, but it’s entirely watchable. The music softly weaves in and out of the interviews and fits perfectly, never competing.

The message is that dress code policy needs to serve the function of making all students feel comfortable at school and not compete with studies or social discourse. There are solutions such as the administration talking with the students about why they are uncomfortable and work out a solution.

I give Clothed Minds 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!