BEGINNINGS ON EDUCATION: DRESS CODES: Are they really necessary?

I chose the topic of dress codes in schools because I think this has been an ongoing issue. At my old high school it is now a violation of dress code if you wear flip flops. There was a girl that fell down the stairs due to her shoes. The school now feels that it is a hazard to wear flip flops, so they were banned. Most schools have restrictions on how students dress. By doing this they feel that it will keep the focus on academics. But how far is too far?

Are dress codes necessary in schools?

To a certain extent dress codes should be enforced but at the same time students should be allowed to dress in a way that expresses who they are as an individual. People say that students that wear extremely baggy pants and bandanas could be interpreted as members of a gang. People think that girls that dress “X-rated” cause a distraction to other students. Students should dress respectfully in school. They should be allowed to wear what they want, but to a certain extent. Students should be able to express their individuality but in a presentable manor. The picture below demonstrates what is “appropriate dress” and “Inappropriate dress” (www.orecity.k12.or.us/students/policy/dress_code)

I remember the fun I used to have going back to school clothes shopping with my mother. It made me a little excited about summer ending and going back to school. I think most kids express themselves by what they wear on a day to day basis. Sometimes students get out of control and that’s when the dress code needs to be enforced. I feel that a dress code makes students resent the school and creates an uptight environment.

One arguement for dress codes express' the concern of distractions from academic performance. Some authorities feel that without dress codes the students become distracted from their studies. Another concern is the underlying meaning that is being used by clothing. Such as students wearing a certain thing to signify a gang. Students wear pants with big pockets to smuggle things into school, such as drugs. Another arguement for the dress code explains that students should be able to pick out their own clothes and define who they are. People say that just becuase students are told to dress a certain way it doesn't make the gangs and violence go away. It just hides it.

I personally believe that students should be able to dress as they feel within reason. I never understod why hats were not alowed in schools? What good does that do by making students take off their hats once on school property. I think that students should not be able to dress "X-rated". For example half-shirts, miniskirts. I think that is a very degrating appearance. By allowing students to dress how they are makes us stick out as individuals.