by Anea E., Grade 10
In the hallways of our schools, there exists a discussion. It revolves around dress codes, set by the Student Parent Handbook Senior School 2023-2024 which are rules intended to guide students on what to wear. Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that these dress codes may lack clarity, reinforce stereotypes, and fall short in addressing the actual problems they aim to resolve. It’s an opportunity to question the questionable aspects and promote a more inclusive and empowering perspective on school dress codes.
What is appropriate and what is not? (Anea Elmas/ Grade 10)
Let’s start with the notion of “expose of underwear.” Does this mean the glimpses of underwear lines through jeans or bra straps are inappropriate? Or do we mean when the underwear is sticking out of your clothes? The lack of clarity in dress code guidelines leads to varying interpretations and inconsistent enforcement.
Secondly, dress codes often use ambiguous language such as; discouraging “an inappropriate amount of bare flesh on display, including midriffs and cleavage.” But who gets to decide what is considered inappropriate? By leaving room for interpretation, these guidelines subject students to arbitrary judgments and reinforce a culture of body shaming.
Following one of the most misguided points made by dress codes is the notion “Neither distracting”, particularly for boys. It implies that a girl’s attire is responsible for the boy’s behavior, shifting the blame onto the victim. This approach fails to address the core issue of teaching respect and consent to all students, regardless of gender. Rather than perpetuating the idea that girls should modify their clothing, we should focus on educating boys to treat girls with dignity and respect.
Adding on to that, dress codes often emphasize that students “Should dress for work” and if not, they should be dress coded. However, the enforcement of these codes disproportionately targets girls, while boys are let off the hook for dressing inappropriately. If girls can be dress coded for wearing inappropriate clothing, why aren’t boys held to the same standard when they come to school in sweatpants and sweaters?
Furthermore, the use of the term “considered” in dress codes introduces subjectivity into the equation. What one teacher may find inappropriate, another may see as acceptable. This inconsistency breeds confusion among students and can even lead to uncomfortable situations where teachers inadvertently become objects of suspicion. We must acknowledge the inherent flaws in this subjective approach and work towards establishing objective guidelines that respect individual choices and foster a safe learning environment.
It’s clear that our current school dress codes are flawed and fail to serve their intended purpose. To bring about change, we must unite and advocate for an inclusive and empowering dress code policy. Here’s what we can do:
- Engage in Dialogue: Start conversations with school administrators, teachers, and fellow students to raise awareness about the problems with existing dress codes. Education is the first step towards change.
- Embrace Diversity and Inclusivity: Celebrate the diverse identities and body types within the student body. Encourage a culture of acceptance, body positivity, and mutual respect.
Together, we can challenge the school dress codes and pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive educational environment. It’s time to empower students, embrace individuality, and prioritize the values that truly matter in education.