Dress Code

This week the sun has been shining bright.  In the land of teenagers, when the sun comes out, the clothes come off...  So we took some time to discuss the official dress code policy.  The students were able to list all of the rules without me having to say them:

• no "booty shorts" - shorts and skirts should be longer than your fingertips when you arms are straight at your sides
• no spaghetti straps - sleeveless shirts must have shoulder straps at least 1 inch wide
• no bare bellies - there should be no gap between your top (shirt) and your bottom (pants) either in the front or back
• no gang attire
• no drug/alcohol/weapon advertisement
• no sagging - undergarments should not be seen

After listing these rules I asked them a few questions:

• Why are these rules in place? The students seem to think it's just about control, and limiting distractions.  I explained to them that it's really about RESPECT.  Every one of the rules above is going to make someone uncomfortable if it's violated.  We all deserve to feel safe and respected, and sometimes (okay, often) students choose to wear outfits that make many people uncomfortable. 
• Are these rules enforced?  Most students agreed that the rules are enforced sporadically.  Often times students will make it to the last period of the day before a teacher addresses their inappropriate clothing.  Other times students will be called out on their clothing choices while there are a dozen other students dressed the same way that are not held to the same standard.
• Do you wish teachers enforced the dress code consistently?  For this question I had them close their eyes and raise their hands.  Surprisingly, almost half the students requested that the staff do a better job of enforcing this. Which shows that students (as well as staff) are often uncomfortable with the clothing worn by their classmates.  This renews my commitment to hold all students accountable for their choices.

In the end I reminded them that we are not at the beach, we are not at the pool, we are not at their house, we are in a public building and it is their responsibility to dress appropriately out of respect for their teachers and fellow students.