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Today's youth. Tomorrow's leaders.

That is the motto of the American Legion Boys State. The program is a youth camp meant to "develop leadership and promote civic responsibility in young men." The companion program for girls — Girls State — promotes the same motto, but its purpose is to "teach young women responsible citizenship," and to instill, "a deep appreciation for our great nation."

A subtle difference, but one that most likely explains the controversial dress code. You see, the boys get to wear slacks and T-shirts. The girls must wear skirts and dresses.

A program that prepares boys to be leaders means they can wear what most male leaders do — whatever they want.

You remember the iconic photo of a young Bill Clinton shaking the hand of President Kennedy? Boys State. Boys Nation, actually. He capitalized on that photo for the rest of his career.

Can you recall an analogous picture of a female leader?

Modern female leaders have crushed the idea that women do not wear pants. Hillary Clinton was indomitable with her pantsuits. Maybe Margaret Thatcher's generation did not wear pants, but Condoleezza Rice did. Even Sandra Day O'Connor wears them now.

What about Utah female leaders? Former House Speaker Rebecca D. Lockhart wore pants. Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Rep. Mia Love both wear pants regularly.

You get the point.

Women wear pants. Nurses wear scrubs, teachers wear jeans, and doctors wear whatever they want.

Why are we still talking about it?

We all have implicit biases we won't admit (go ahead, see for yourself), which explains why the political consultant tells a woman candidate to wear heels instead of flats.

Boys State and Girls State should be teaching their campers the same qualities: how to be good citizens and good leaders.

Is it OK to make suggestive jokes? No. Teach them that. Is it OK to exclude women from decision-making? Is it OK to fill every leadership position with men when women are also qualified? No. Teach them that.

How do you assert yourself when you are being interrupted? How do you ask to be appointed to a board, or negotiate a raise? Teach them that.

Do men constantly worry about the front of their shirts lying flat so as to not offer a peek inside? Do men have to worry about walking around on flimsy heels with off-balance weight?

For the love, can we just give them the pants?