Are School Dress Codes a Good Idea?

    Are School Dress Codes a Good Idea?

    Dress codes are an extremely controversial topic. All sides pose good arguments, but I believe strict dress codes cause more harm than good. They can be really restrictive when talking about students' individuality, not to mention the old-fashioned, sexist way of thinking a lot have (Sherwin). While there are some instances of good dress codes, they aren't always implemented in the best way or have flaws.

    Some dress codes carry old views that aren't as popular or widespread anymore, but somehow they have not been revised. School dress codes might have rules that are targeted to specific demographics such as Black students and students who identify as girls (Sherwin), which is not at all something that should be happening. Instead, rules should be the same for everyone or it isn't fair to the people who are being targeted.

    Dress codes also can be really difficult when a student wants to express their identity. A school saying someone shouldn't dress in a certain way can be damaging to the student's ability to be an individual. Students with strict dress codes and uniforms are learning at school that they have to dress one way and not how they really want. If students are uncomfortable with how they are made to dress at school, then school won't be a very comfortable environment (Wilder).

    On the other hand, dress codes can be helpful when executed correctly. They can provide a safe space at school for everyone, as long as they are equal for everyone. For example, if a dress code is made so that clothes are unable to hide weapons, it is helping students be safe (Wilder). Dress codes can also help students feel more equal if everyone dresses the same or similarly. However, that does not mean dress codes should be too strict.

    When this is all put together, we can see dress codes have a lot of pros and cons! While there may be benefits, they only appear when dress codes are used well. Otherwise, they become overly controlling and restrictive, and that isn't good. Instead, schools should have light, reasonable dress codes that don't single out specific people and are equal for everyone.


- Citlali


Works Cited:

Wilder, Larry and Key, Scott. “Pros and Cons of School Dress Codes.” University News, 11/11/07, https://news.fresno.edu/article/11/11/2007/pros-and-cons-school-dress-code, Fresno Pacific University, 1/26/23.

Sherwin, Galen, Morris, Linda, and Wachtel, Eleanor. “4 Things Public Schools Can and Can’t Do When It Comes to Dress Codes.” ACLU, 9/21/22, https://www.aclu.org/news/womens-rights/4-things-public-schools-can-and-cant-do-dress-codes#:~:text=Despite%20how%20common%20they%20are,as%20deviant%20by%20school%20officials., 1/26/23.

Location: Champaign, IL, USA

Comments

  1. LanaMarch 17, 2023 at 11:44 AM

    You raised some points in this blog post that I hadn't thought about before! The only experience I've had with dress codes have been sexist in their way of thinking (not letting girls wear spaghetti straps because their shoulders might be distracting) which has made me oppose dress codes, but your point of making sure weapons can't be hidden has partially convinced me.

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