School Dress Code
By Jaymeson Clark, Ta’Lazia Wilkerson, Emily Rivas
The “dress code” was established in 1969 by the U.S. Supreme Court. About ninety-three percent of the nation's schools have a dress code policy, and one in five schools have a uniform dress code policy. Here at Powell High School, we asked a couple of students for their opinions on our school's dress code and what's wrong with it. Their responses were about half-and-half; some students agreed, and others disagreed with the policy. What are the consequences of not following the dress code policy? Knox County Board of Education BOE says, “Correct the violation or spend the remainder of the day in in-school suspension (ISS)” and “Repeat offenders shall be subject to additional measures which include parent conferences, in-school suspension, and out-of-school suspensions as described in the county-wide discipline policy.”
My opinion on the dress code is that it's frustrating when the dress code seems to unfairly target certain body types, like thicker girls. It's important to promote body types positivity and inclusivity in all aspects of life, including dress codes. Females face more dress code problems compared to boys. It's not fair that girls often have more restrictions placed on their clothing choices. Every day during school I see thinner girls wearing short crop tops and short shorts and they never get dress-coded, but if a thicker girl wears anything similar then they immediately get dress-coded. We should encourage a more equal understanding approach to dress codes that does not single out specific body types or genders. Also, it's not cool that the dress code tends to focus on thicker females and creates more problems for females. We should embrace all body types, and allow everyone to express themselves through their clothing choices. Let’s push for dress codes that are more inclusive, and understanding, and don't discriminate based on body size or gender. Together we can make a positive change and promote equality in dress codes!
It's not fair that females are discriminated against based upon their body size. Everyone should be able to express themselves through their clothing without feeling judged or singled out. It's time for dress codes to be fair and considerate of all body types.