Discussions surrounding the positive and negative aspects of a school dress code have been ongoing, and while many believe that a minimal, “open” dress code would benefit the school environment, others think a more restrictive policy may be in the best interest of L-S.
Expression through style is a freedom that many students value as an important part of their identity. The current dress code that L-S utilizes is inherently minimal, restricting only violence and inappropriate imagery as opposed to specific limitations on clothing for individuals. Since the policy is relatively inclusive, students can dress as they please, so long as their dress is not harmful to others.
Commonly, dress codes contain rules that target young women despite being created to prevent violence or harassment. Some say dress codes are aimed toward preventing males from being distracted by the clothing choices of girls, however, as Ms. Shields states: “How do we reframe and be like, ‘okay, the human body is a human body?’ and how do we teach young men that you don’t look at women’s bodies like that?” If a girl is comfortable and confident in what she is wearing, it is inequitable to tell her to change due to others’ opinions. Dress codes do not target males the same way as they target females. Ms. Shields says, “Why is it that a male team can get away with taking their shirts off, but when a bunch of young women have sports bras on everyone is freaking out…where’s the equity in that?” Stricter dress codes can have an unjust undertone towards a particular gender.
Stricter dress codes can also be beneficial, as they prevent discrimination and violence towards females. One important reason why dress codes were created was to provide safety for people. Ms. Shields states, “A lot of female teachers want to protect other young women from the experiences that they had in their life when people maybe slut shamed them for wearing a certain outfit.”
Furthermore, dress codes with minimal limitations sometimes cause challenges. Conversations around dress code tend to be uncomfortable and tough for teachers and students to discuss. If a dress code does not state specific requirements on how students should dress, this grants students the freedom to dress however they want, which may mean showing more skin than is school-appropriate. As said by Ms. Shields, “I know that there are plenty of people who would be like, ‘I think we should have a dress code because I don’t want to have those conversations, I’m uncomfortable.’”
Complex, specific dress codes may be viewed as harsh requirements and rules, leading students to dislike the policy. As senior Holly Wessman said, “I think if the safety and comfort of people are being taken into consideration in terms of things that might be more triggering…there is no need for any other restrictions.” The safety and comfort of people is a main reason why schools have dress codes, so if that need is being met, why should a dress code add more restrictions that could make people feel uncomfortable?
As more faculty members and students take notice of the dress code, the conversation surrounding the policy grows. Should the dress code be more restrictive, or more relaxed? Is the dress code perfect as is? These questions are up for debate and will continue to be discussed in the coming years at L-S.
