Students Are Outraged After A School Official Publicly Blames Girls For ‘Boys’ Low Grades’

Sexism, misogyny, and slut-shaming are nothing new in American schools, but what do you do when school administrators are putting on the dunce cap? That’s what female students in the state of Texas had to deal with during their first week back in classes.

During an assembly at Clements High School, Assistant Principal Phil Morgante made some incredibly offensive comments about female students and the way they dress. While explaining the school’s dress code policy, Morgante blamed female students for male students’ low academic performance. “Ladies, and I still blame you all for boys’ low grades because of tight clothing,” said Morgante in an audio clip recorded and released by a concerned student. Morgante, who’s been with the Fort Bend independent school district in Sugar Land for over two decades, added that female students also need to “cover their whole gut.”

Shocked students quickly took to Twitter to voice their dismay. “How the hell are you blatantly gonna value guy’s education over girls?,” tweeted an angry student. Another tweeted regret for not standing up to Morgante, writing, “I regret not telling off Morgante when he basically said its us girls’ fault that boys over-sexualize girls because of our clothing. SMFH. I’m heated.”

https://twitter.com/lisadyu9/status/771585152333991936

https://twitter.com/andreaonate_/status/768450861089509376

We reached out to Fort Bend ISD about Morgante’s disturbing comments. Spokeswoman Amanda Bubela said Morgante’s words were a “failed attempt at humor” and he has since apologized to students. The emailed statement also says appropriate actions will be taken against the administrator:

During assemblies last week, when speaking about the dress code, a Clements High School administrator made comments that were inappropriate and offensive to students. These comments should not have been made, and do not represent the beliefs of Fort Bend ISD or the Clements administrative team or faculty. The comments were a failed attempt at humor and inappropriate.

Following concerns expressed by students, the Clements principal took prompt action to address the comments and apologized to the student body.

We have high expectations for both students and staff at Clements High School and throughout Fort Bend ISD. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive learning environment where all students feel supported and valued.

Please know this situation is being addressed, and appropriate actions will be taken.

With 25 years of teaching experience under his belt, it’s terrible that Morgante thought shaming young women and removing responsibility away from the boys was a good idea, even in jest. Young women are already subject to so much scrutiny without having to hear it from school officials tasked with providing them with a safe space for learning. Hopefully, the actions the school is taking will deter other administrators from echoing Morgante’s sentiments in the future.

(Via The Odyssey)