The term “policing language” sounds intense – and maybe I’m splitting hairs but I really don’t agree that encouraging people to use positive language and avoid hurtful words is “policing”. For me, it’s about creating a culture of compassion and love. But I wondered – was I wrong to think that we should have parameters around the language that we use?

But you know what seems even more unfair? That despite all we know and all we are capable of, there are still going to be thousands of young people with the drive and brilliance to change their lives who will not be able to get ahead. The systems in which we are living and working are set up to benefit some, while the walls others are expected to climb are being built higher and higher.

Nine out of ten times women have no problem talking about their periods with other females. And I think nine out of ten women would likely agree that their period is not “inappropriate”. We don’t hide our periods because they should be hidden, we hide it because we are taught to… because it makes some people uncomfortable. And gentlemen, let me tell you, each time you make a face, walk away, plug your ears or make jokes, you are reinforcing these ideas.

Not only is it unproductive to perpetuate the over-sexualization of young girls because of their appearance or their choice of clothing, but it is even more unproductive to assume that boys (and male teachers) are unable to focus on their work simply because they can see a leg, a shoulder, a belly or a bra strap. This outdated approach to dress-codes is straight up insulting.