The dress code has become a huge issue, from the staff to the students. Before this year, the dress code wasn’t as strict. 

Last year, students could wear holes above the knee unless any undergarments were shown, shorts could be worn as long as they were mid-thigh, leggings could be worn with regular shirts and hats could be worn. Teachers had to focus on educating students rather than taking time away from their class to implement strict dress code policies. Students had no issues with the dress code last year. 

Clothing these days, such as pants, can hardly be found without holes, much less below the knee and shorts are definitely by far the hardest to get into the dress code.  Within the 1st Amendment, freedom of expression rights, the students at least get some say in what they wear to school every day. Students shouldn’t be sexualized because of what they wear, no matter the gender. By implementing strict dress codes, schools emphasize sexualizing students and making them stand out rather than allowing education to be the student’s primary focus. 

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, dress codes are legal as long as they do not “treat boys and girls differently, force students to conform to sex stereotypes, or censor particular viewpoints.” Another problem with the dress code and how it is executed is that boys hardly ever get dress coded. Boys can walk around in shorts more than 2 inches above the knee and go shirtless while working out or exercising.  

A reasonable dress code should be taken into consideration. Students should have the right to help create an appropriate dress code without conflict, even if students, teachers and school board members voted on what they believe would be a reasonable dress code.