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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Mini Skirt

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 17:43 GMT by Her Campus
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Mini Skirt: A Campus Tradition That Challenges Norms

At California State University, Chico, a seemingly simple garment has become a powerful symbol of solidarity, body‑positive activism, and female camaraderie. Known as the Traveling Mini Skirt, the tradition is carried by a close-knit group of students who pass a single mini skirt around campus each week, turning a piece of clothing into a living, breathing testament to the “sisterhood” that binds them together.

Origins and Early Years

The tradition dates back to 2015, when a small group of women began gathering in the university’s courtyard to discuss the campus dress‑code policy that was perceived as disproportionately restrictive toward women. “We felt like we were being asked to dress in a way that wasn’t just about comfort but about conformity,” recalls Maria Gonzales, a sophomore who helped launch the movement. The idea was simple: take one mini skirt, a staple of feminine fashion, and let it travel from person to person. By carrying the skirt in different neighborhoods and classrooms, the students made a visible, shared statement that “our bodies and choices matter.”

Initially, the traveling skirt was only seen at campus events and on the quad. However, the movement quickly gained traction. By the end of the spring semester, students from several departments—women’s studies, psychology, and the arts—joined in. A small but enthusiastic group named The Sisterhood of the Traveling Mini Skirt emerged, formalizing the tradition and organizing weekly “mini‑fashion walks” that would be shared on campus social media.

How the Tradition Works

Each week, the skirt is passed to a new carrier. The person in possession of the skirt is responsible for taking it to a designated campus location and then handing it off at a time and place decided by the group. The route is deliberately varied: one week the skirt may end up in the library, another in the engineering building, and a later week it might be showcased on the athletic field. This fluid movement is a key part of the tradition’s power—it keeps the skirt visible to a wide audience and prevents it from becoming a static prop.

Carrying the skirt is accompanied by a short speech or pledge. “We’re proud to wear what we want and to stand together against any policy that seeks to silence us,” one student declared during a recent walk. The tradition is intentionally inclusive; while the skirt is a feminine item, men and non‑binary students are encouraged to participate by sharing the story and the purpose behind the movement.

Cultural Significance and Broader Impact

Beyond its symbolic value, the traveling mini skirt has sparked conversations about gender norms and body autonomy on campus. According to an article in the Her Campus online newspaper, the tradition “has become a catalyst for dialogues about the intersection of gender, dress codes, and institutional authority.” The weekly walks provide a platform for students to discuss how dress codes often reinforce gender stereotypes and how personal choices can be politicized.

The tradition also dovetails with the university’s broader feminist initiatives. The Center for Gender Equity hosted a workshop that followed a mini‑skirt walk, allowing participants to reflect on how attire can be both empowering and limiting. “The skirt is a simple reminder that we have agency over how we present ourselves,” said Dr. Elaine Chen, a professor of Women’s Studies who moderated the workshop.

Campus Response and Media Coverage

While the tradition has been embraced by many students, it has also attracted criticism from some faculty members concerned about potential harassment or misinterpretation of the skirt’s symbolic nature. The university’s Title IX office issued a statement emphasizing that the walking is an educational activity and that all participants are encouraged to respect each other’s boundaries.

The tradition has caught the eye of local media. A feature in The Chico News & Review highlighted the group’s efforts, quoting the group’s leader: “We’re not just walking around with a skirt. We’re walking around with a statement.” The article also linked to the Sisterhood’s official Instagram, where followers could see photos and videos from recent walks, including a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the skirt is cleaned and cared for.

Future Directions

The Traveling Mini Skirt has evolved into an annual event that draws new participants each year. In 2024, the group announced a partnership with the Sisters in STEM initiative to create a cross‑departmental event that would feature STEM students wearing the skirt on campus. The collaboration aims to dismantle stereotypes about gender roles in scientific fields, a goal that aligns with the tradition’s core values.

The tradition also plans to expand beyond campus borders. A planned trip to San Francisco in spring 2025 will see the skirt showcased at the National Women's Rights Museum, a location that has historically hosted feminist exhibitions. “We want to bring our campus’s sisterhood into a broader conversation,” said Gonzales. “If the skirt can spark dialogue on a campus, imagine what it can do in a city like San Francisco.”

Conclusion

What began as a spontaneous, informal response to a restrictive dress‑code policy has grown into a vibrant, campus‑wide tradition that celebrates female agency, challenges institutional norms, and encourages open dialogue about gender and autonomy. The traveling mini skirt’s journey across CSU Chico’s campus each week is more than a fashion statement; it is a living reminder that solidarity and empowerment can be carried—literally—on the shoulders of many.