Senior Samuel Park works on an assignment wearing a newly allowed hat on Oct 20.
Thalia Sabit, Staff Writer
November 26, 2021
A student gets pulled out of class for wearing a cropped shirt, and because they do not have a set of clothes to change into, they are sent home and miss the rest of the school day. Having missed a lesson and needing to make up work, the student may fall behind. According to Find Law, the first dress code law was established after the case Tinker vs. Des Moines to ensure a lack of distractions and to allow administrators to monitor and limit students’ individualism in order to foster a proper learning environment. However, according to VOX, after protests from both students and parents, public schools across the country have started to take a more lenient approach to dress codes over the last few years. “I think because we all have different standards of what appropriate attire is, it’s very hard to set a universal [dress code],” assistant principal Amy Parmentier said. According to Fresno Pacific University, one reason for stricter dress codes is to create an environment similar to that of a workplace. However, their research found that heavy monitoring on students’ clothing promotes conformity rather than adaptability, creativity and critical thinking, which are traits that are more desirable in both an educational and occupational setting. “Students’ [clothing] will only affect learning if they are dressed in an extreme way,” senior Alyse Madsen said. “Strict dress codes infringe on a students self-expression and make for a dull environment with little creativity.” “ If a guy is distracted by a girl’s exposed shoulders, it’s more of the guy’s fault for finding an excuse to be distracted than it is the girl just wearing what she wants because it’s hot outside or stylish. — senior Samuel Park In accordance to Title IX, a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discimination in school or any school-sponsored events, dress codes are not allowed to have a gender bias. Still, an interview conducted by Time Magazine revealed that female students often feel unfairly targeted by dress codes, stating that their bodies should not be seen as a distraction in an academic setting. “I’ve heard and seen so many women get dress coded for wearing short shorts, but guys wear shorts that are the same length, sometimes even shorter, and no one seems to have a problem with that,” senior Samuel Park said. “If a guy is distracted by a girl’s exposed shoulders, it’s more of the guy’s fault for finding an excuse to be distracted than it is the girl just wearing what she wants because it’s hot outside or stylish.” A study conducted by Education Partnership Incorporated found that while some researchers reported a positive correlation between stricter dress codes and academic achievements, others have found no correlation between the two. In addition, their researchers warn of the chances of limiting students freedom of expression. “Dress codes are necessary but at the most minimal level,” Park said. “I think people should be able to express themselves through clothing because it’s a big part of our appearance and plays a big role in our confidence as well.”
As a seasoned expert in education policies, student rights, and the sociocultural dynamics within educational institutions, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a depth of understanding to the discourse on dress codes in schools. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it stems from a comprehensive analysis of relevant legal cases, scholarly research, and an awareness of the evolving attitudes toward dress codes in educational settings.
The article you provided discusses the impact of dress codes on students, highlighting incidents where students are pulled out of class due to dress code violations and the subsequent consequences of missed lessons and falling behind in coursework. The piece references the historical context of dress code laws, specifically mentioning the Tinker vs. Des Moines case as the foundation for such regulations. This landmark case established the legal precedent for schools to regulate students' attire to minimize distractions and maintain a conducive learning environment.
Contrastingly, the article notes a shift towards a more lenient approach to dress codes in public schools, attributing this change to protests from both students and parents. The assistant principal, Amy Parmentier, acknowledges the challenges of setting a universal dress code due to varying standards of appropriate attire.
Fresno Pacific University's research is cited to provide insight into the rationale behind stricter dress codes, emphasizing the desire to create a workplace-like environment. However, the research also highlights the potential downside of excessive monitoring, as it may stifle adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking—qualities essential in educational and occupational settings.
The article delves into the debate on how dress codes impact self-expression and creativity. Senior Alyse Madsen argues that strict dress codes infringe on students' self-expression and contribute to a dull environment. Another student, Samuel Park, questions the fairness of gender-based dress code enforcement, citing Title IX, a civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools. Park suggests that restrictions on girls' clothing may disproportionately affect them and hinder their self-expression.
The piece incorporates findings from a study by Education Partnership Incorporated, noting divergent views on the correlation between strict dress codes and academic achievement. Some researchers report a positive correlation, while others find no such connection. The study warns against the potential limitation of students' freedom of expression through overly restrictive dress codes.
In conclusion, the article paints a nuanced picture of the ongoing debate surrounding dress codes in schools, weaving together legal precedents, institutional perspectives, student experiences, and research findings. This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive overview of the complex issues surrounding dress codes in the educational landscape.
