Thalia Sabit
Senior Samuel Park works on an assignment wearing a newly allowed hat on Oct 20.
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.”
FAQs
Dress code makes the students focus more on their lessons rather than their outfit. It lessens the judgments of the economic state of each individual. Dress codes affect the students in the sense that they keep a greater focus on learning, rather than showing off one's status through clothing.
Do school dress codes improve academic performance? ›
Some evidence has shown that uniforms do indeed reduce distractions and can help improve student concentration levels. But studies have also linked uniform requirements with stifling creativity, which can hurt grades.
How does dress code affect students' creativity? ›
Limiting Individual Expression
By mandating specific attire, schools may inadvertently curb their students' creativity and discourage self-expression.
How do dress codes promote learning? ›
2) Dress codes have proven to increase student achievement by encouraging students to concentrate more on their studies and less on their wardrobe. A de-emphasis on clothing can also save money, as there will be less pressure to keep up with expensive trends and fashions.
How do dress codes affect students' mental health? ›
Having a dress code can tell a girl that the way she dresses and looks is important to others, and this can make girls feel more self-conscious about themselves, which can sometimes cause eating disorders and anxiety.
Do dress codes prepare students for success? ›
Implementing dress codes in schools goes beyond regulating attire; it plays a crucial role in shaping the school culture, fostering a positive learning environment, and preparing students for success in various aspects of their lives.
What is the value of dress code in school? ›
Dress codes provide a tangible link between personal choices and community values. Children learn that their individual actions, including how they present themselves, contribute to the overall atmosphere and reputation of their educational community.
Why should dress codes be implemented in schools? ›
A dress code is important in schools because it can help to create a respectful and orderly environment. Uniforms can also help to identify students and promote school spirit. Dress codes can also help to prevent harassment and bullying.
Does dress code affect learning statistics? ›
A study found that 90% of students wearing uniforms reported no impact on their academic performance. This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Dress Codes In Schools Statistics, as it demonstrates that uniforms do not have a negative effect on students' academic performance.
How dress codes influence situations? ›
Dress codes reflect the culture of a company. In some cases, it lets the customer know that the employee is a member of your business. When employees wear a uniform, it makes staff members easy to identify. Irrespective of the profession or industry, dress codes create an atmosphere of professionalism.
Reduces the risk of students being robbed to and from school, or for that matter in school, of expensive clothing, jewelry, etc. 4. In the case of uniforms, could help school administrators identify non-students, trespassers, and other visitors in the hallways who stand out in the crowd.
Why should the dress code be changed? ›
Dress codes should be changed for the way they influence discrimination and prevent expression. People who are affected by it should have an input in the rules.
Do schools with uniforms have better grades? ›
Some studies have found that school uniforms are associated with increased attendance, improved behavior, and a decrease in disciplinary problems. Other studies have found no significant differences in academic performance or school climate as a result of wearing uniforms.
How many schools don't have dress codes? ›
GAO estimated that 93% of school districts have some kind of dress code or policy, though not all of them are considered "strict." More than 90% of those rules prohibit clothing typically worn by female students: items such as “halter or strapless tops,” “skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh,” and “yoga pants or any ...
How does the dress code not let students express themselves? ›
Additionally, mandating a dress code for more revealing clothing can create a stigma on the people wearing that clothing. If a student is shamed for their revealing clothing by an administrator, school employee, or adult that could influence how the student's peers see them as well.
How does school dress code affect female students? ›
In a study of schools in the District of Columbia, and a forthcoming one of Miami-Dade, researchers from the National Women's Law Center found that female students are more likely to feel unsafe in schools where security personnel enforced the dress code.
Why should students have a less strict dress code? ›
Students feel sexualized, targeted and discriminated against when being subjected to dress codes. Students often get cited for wearing crop tops, tank tops, shorts, ripped jeans, flip-flops and hair pieces. Students are singled out in class and embarrassed in front of everyone while being subjected to dress codes.
