At Bartram Trail High School in Florida, school administrators are under fire after yearbook photos of female students were photoshopped. Approximately eighty photos of female students were digitally edited, many of which included adding additional fabric to cover the chest and shoulder area or reducing chest size. This sparked controversy as the same yearbook featured unedited photos of male students in speedos. 

None of these girls were consulted beforehand that their photos would be edited, leading to additional outrage at the photoshop. Riley O’Keefe, one of the students affected by the photoshop, shared her thoughts, saying, “You’re not only affecting their photo. It’s not just for protecting them. You’re making them uncomfortable and feel like their bodies aren’t acceptable in a yearbook.” Riley also explained that the outfit she wore for picture day followed the school’s dress code and was approved by the school prior to taking her photo, yet the photo was still edited. Adrian Barlett, a parent of one of the children affected, shared similar concerns, explaining, “I think it sends the message that our girls should be ashamed of their growing bodies… and I think that’s a horrible message to send out to these young girls that are going through these changes.” 

In response to the outrage, the school offered to refund students who returned their yearbooks, but many parents feel that it isn’t just about the money. In an effort to ease tension, the school put out a statement expressing, “Bartram Trail High School’s previous procedure was to not include student pictures in the yearbook that they deemed in violation of the student code of conduct, so the digital alterations were a solution to make sure all students were included in the yearbook. At this point, the school is offering refunds to any parents calling about this issue. The school is receiving feedback from parents/guardians/students on making this process better for next year.” Even with this statement, many parents are still disgusted by the school’s actions and are calling for a change to school dress codes nationwide.