Mandatory Dress Codes In Schools

572 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Media perpetuating stereotypes of gender representation

Every morning students are faced with the decision of what to wear. However, many students automatically have to rule things out because of the dress code policy at their school. Dress codes constantly restrict students from being themselves and having control of their body and what they put on it. It says in the constitution, we have the right to express ourselves without being oppressed and punished. Some might say they have plenty of room to express themselves, but in reality they don't. The students are constantly given rules about what they can and cannot put on their bodies and have very restricted control and expression of themselves. In addition to that it creates a waste of money and clothing. Either students or their parents buy …show more content…

During an online debate, author Abigail Healy stated “In a time where so many girls dislike the way they look, schools should not enforce dress codes that practically shame the human body by telling you that you must cover up… they spend ages worrying about if what they wear will get them in trouble... The dress code is more distracting than clothes people wear without it!” As it comes to show the dress code is, in fact, becoming a major distraction. Students, especially females, use large amount of time and stress picking out something to wear just to ensure it's not a “distraction” to other students. Doing just this hurts the students self confidence and courage to be themselves. Some would oppose and say that students shouldn't need to expose skin to feel comfortable and assured in their own body; I disagree with this idea completely. Students feel physically uneasy during the summer-like months when they are sweating because shorts and tank tops aren't allowed. In addition to that they are also emotionally and mentally awkward and embarrassed of their own body because the dress code basically tells them to be ashamed of and hide it. The society we live in constantly shames the bodies of its people constantly; students neither need nor want to be broken down any more by the dress

Show More
Related

  • Why Is Dress Code Bad

    497 Words  | 1 Pages

    Schools typically justify their dress codes by maintain that it’s important to keep the classroom free of any distractions, however, that language actually reinforces the idea that women’s bodies are inherently tempting to men and it’s their responsibility to cover themselves up.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of School Dress Code

    1278 Words  | 3 Pages

    An attractive child still in school is a child until they turn eighteen. The idea that any adult or older peer could find them in the least bit distracting or attractive because of their body being show is horribly creepy. The dress code supports the idea that a student’s body is shameful, therefore, objectifying. Those with opposing views may claim that the dress code is helping education because they do not focus on their looks, just their studies. To show, from 18 Significant School Uniform Pros and Cons, “Because a school uniform limits the options a student has for clothing, there is less pressure to get through the morning routine. This often allows students to sleep a bit more because less time is required to get ready.” Though this is completely true, the most prominent idea of a uniform is to make sure a student is properly covered. Uniforms are a way of objectifying girls and boys alike, so there is at least no unfairness within the concept of gender. Still, there is lack of logic to why anyone should be required to cover up, as if it makes adults feel uncomfortable. Teaching both adults and children to respect those of all ages is imperative. Treat others how they should be treated: appropriately. From a first-hand account, Lindsay Merbaum, a teacher, “Male colleagues would sometimes approach me and point out the offending ensembles, as they felt uncomfortable addressing female students about their attire. I didn’t blame them — there’s something unseemly about telling a teenage girl that what she is wearing is wrong. It reveals that you’re looking at her closely, that you’re looking at her body, that her body is offensive.” Many people could agree that no adult should look at a child like they look at someone their age. It’s extremely uncomfortable to feel like a piece of eye candy for those who can

    Read More

  • School Dress Code Research Paper

    738 Words  | 2 Pages

    Dress code enforces the modest dress of students, preventing bullying and distractions.Numerous people believe clothing is a distraction and when eliminated the school environment is more professional and gives a better education to a student. Authority figures consider the school apparel enforcements are constitutionally sound, not affecting the child’s right to freely express, and providing a professional and working setting causing a better learning environment and decreased amount of bullying due to clear differences in appearance. However, opposers disagree with the restrictive code because of its limitations on individuality

    Read More

  • Pros And Cons Of Dress Code Policy In Schools

    1290 Words  | 3 Pages

    America’s school systems seem to have many issues concerning students receiving a quality education without distraction. A current debate argues weather a dress code policy is efficient or takes away from student’s expression. Administrators at schools should regulate a dress code policy because the system improves discipline and student’s attention, reduces social conflict and peer pressure related to appearance, and dress code provides a more serious learning environment.

    Read More

  • Should Students Wear Controversial Clothing To School?

    505 Words  | 2 Pages

    In America, you have the right to free expression which is why it's known as the home of the free. But how far does that freedom go? Many students get in lots of trouble because they are freely expressing themselves through their clothes. Someone should not be censored because of their beliefs. The first step in human equality is people not being frowned upon in an oppressive way because of their beliefs. Students should be able to wear controversial clothing to school because they have the right to free expression, the school can’t stop you from wearing something just because they disapprove of the message, and that the schools cannot ban you from wearing something unless it causes a substantial disruption.

    Read More

  • Dbq Essay On Student Dress Codes

    662 Words  | 2 Pages

    For most students, having a dress code can be extremely discomforting when students are put in tight-fitting uniforms that limit movement. As seen in Doc D, an article written in 1988, the student dress code at New York City schools put girls in uncomfortable situations by making it required for them to wear short skirts. Because these girls were also in the age group where they didn’t change clothes, this meant that they would have to play sports in their uniforms, increasing the discomfort that the girls experienced while at school. Along with this, feeling physically uncomfortable due to a dress code can make students who don’t do well in a school want to leave said school. As seen in Doc G, instead of giving students more pro-school attitudes, dress codes can actually the last straw that causes a student to leave a school for

    Read More

  • Dress Codes Persuasive Speech

    894 Words  | 2 Pages

    As I walk down the main hallway of my small brick school, I am met with smiles and acknoleging nods from students and faculty. It isn't until I am seated in my second block class that I hear "Miss Lowery, that shirt is a little reavealing, don't you think?" shouted across the room. This draws the attention of around 20 other students who begin to giggle. I adjust my shirt and look down at the ground in shame. Once again, I have been publicly humiliated because my body was deamed sexual in the eyes of someone else. Far too often have I expirenced this, first and second hand. Sexist dress codes have been a hot topic in the media as of late. Many schools have found theirselves in the middle of lawsuits due to these outragous and humiliating dress codes. These types of issues could be prevented if schools did away with dress codes all together. Dress codes are unneccecary anyway because, It is not enforced by all faculty and staff members, it takes away students opertunity to express themselves and show

    Read More

  • Dress Code Is Unfair Essay

    658 Words  | 2 Pages

    Over the years, schools have used student dress codes to address a wide range of issues, some of which have been quite controversial. In recent years a desire to stop conflict over designer labels and create a more professional school environment resulted in dress codes and uniforms becoming more and more popular. Student dress codes recently made headlines because several groups of students began to question and protest school dress codes because they thought the policies were unfair. The dress codes unfairly target girls and transgender students. they send a message to girls that if they are harassed by boys, it is their fault. Also they feel judged and shamed by the dress codes. One example is at Haven Middle School in Evanston when

    Read More

  • School Dress Code Controversy

    1444 Words  | 3 Pages

    Alexander Wright Mr. Greco ELA 11 18 March 2024 School dress codes have long been a subject of controversy, sparking debates over individuality, equality, and safety in educational environments. Some people argue that dress codes promote a sense of professionalism and minimize distractions, while others claim they often suppress self-expression and can perpetuate gender biases. This paper will explore the multifaceted implications of enforcing dress codes in schools, examining their impact on student freedom, educational outcomes, and the school culture at large. The implementation of more lenient school dress codes can foster greater self-expression and individuality among students, ultimately enhancing their overall educational experience.

    Read More

  • Dress Code Research Paper

    1431 Words  | 3 Pages

    We see stories Social media has more stories of girls being sent home because of dress code violations. Maybe the problem isn’t the students, but dress codes in general. Dress codes ultimately disrupt the pursuit of knowledge for the students, encourage gender bias, and can be dangerous. If we want the younger generations to succeed in the education system, we should utilize school uniforms. Uniforms in schools from elementary to high schools, will promote gender equality and facilitate student safety.

    Read More

  • Pros And Cons Of School Dress Codes

    1205 Words  | 3 Pages

    Imagine you’re student, a female, let’s say. It’s boiling hot out, and you feel as if you could faint any minute. Your jean shorts and two-finger-thick tank top are soaked in sweat when an administrator tells you that your shorts are less than 2 inches away from your finger-tips, and your tank top is too thin and shows bra straps that “are distracting to male students and teachers, and makes them uncomfortable.” You then are told that you need to change into a pair of sweatpants and a thick, long sleeve shirt that has “Dress code violation” printed on the fabric, for all to see. Many students-the majority of them being women-constantly go through the struggle of choosing what to wear that is suitable for their school dress code.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On School Dress Codes

    1004 Words  | 3 Pages

    Choosing what to wear for the day. This is what most students are thinking about when they wake up. Students need the latest fashion in order to fit in, but some clothing may not be acceptable to wear in school. School dress codes are denying students their right to dress how they want, but the dress code is important for the students and their learning. Students are beginning to stand up and want to be heard. Some students are taking action and want the dress code to become less strict but some schools are doing the opposite for safety issues and for the students healthy learning environment. Dress codes are important for a strong and healthy learning environment and is also reducing violence in many schools around the country.

    Read More

  • Importance Of Clothing: Representing Individuality

    879 Words  | 2 Pages

    This doesn't give anyone the freedom to choose what they want to wear, but instead, they are given instructions how they should dress; a dress code. Similarly, many students are required to wear uniforms at school or adult at work as well. For example, numerous middle and elementary schoolers are required to wear a certain color of shirt depending on their grade level leaving them incapacitated to wear what they please. With this in place, kids are left feeling bland in the way they dress.

    Read More

  • A Violation of Rights-School Uniforms

    928 Words  | 2 Pages

    I believe all people have the right to express themselves. However, with rights come responsibility, a concept most people ignore. Having a "right" is to be free to express one's self. Consequentially, having a "responsibility" is doing it constructively, in such a way as to not violate policies, laws, and others' rights. There is a definite difference between a dress code and a school uniform. I support enforcing a school dress code, but is implementing a school uniform necessary? No matter how students dress, they will still pass judgments on their peers, uniforms do not necessarily save money, and children are forced to conform to the same standards. While in school, teachers have a responsibility to teach and students have the responsibility to learn. Both have the right to exist in their environment without harassment and the right to express their individuality. Some people have found some expressions crude, obnoxious, and distracting. To combat the problem, the idea of mandating school uniforms was introduced. This notion of making everyone appear "uniformed" in order to cut down on violence and negativity in school, is absolutely mislaid.

    Read More

  • Mandatory School Uniforms

    590 Words  | 2 Pages

    Students who do not support uniforms may rebel and be disruptive, creating a difficult learning environment. Dress codes and uniform policies that are too strict often bring about this unintended conse-quence. Uniform policies should be for the purpose of improving the

    Read More

More about Mandatory Dress Codes In Schools

Open Document