Dress Code Violations in the GEHS Student Planner. Photo by Claire Wills.

Our school’s dress code seems harsh to many students, but some faculty and staff have different views, or have difficulty determining what is and is not appropriate for students to wear in the classroom. According to Greenbrier East’s Student Planner, there are to be no shoulders showing, no midriffs showing, no obscene logos or words, no short skirts or shorts, and more. 

Most of the dress labeled indecent in the planner depicts fashion typically worn by girls. Junior Ashlyn Blevins expressed her disapproval of the dress code saying, “I think it’s sexist and guys NEVER get dress coded.” It is true that the pictures in the Student Planner showing what cannot be worn are outdated. The styles shown in the images are from many years ago and are different from what students wear to school today. 

Taking into account the different body types of all students, some administrators may find it hard to distinguish inappropriate from appropriate. For example, the GEHS dress code enforces the rule of not much of the lower chest showing. Two female students could be wearing the same shirt but one person could be showing more than the other just by how their body is made. Instructors are put in a tough place in this situation because if they dress code the student with more showing, the student will feel self-conscious of their body’s structure or be angry with the teacher if the other child wearing the same clothing does not get dress-coded.

While many teachers were reluctant to go on the record when asked about their thoughts on the dress code, a few offered opinions. English teacher Mindy Smith was sympathetic to the argument that the dress code is sexist. “I think too much of a big deal is made of what girls wear. I’d like to see restrictions eased and less policing of bodies.”

“Violating the dress code is awkward for everyone…Don’t do it,” advised social studies teacher Kim Dennler. 

School dress codes are very controversial in high school, and I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this matter. Self-expression is important, but, at the same time, so is modesty, especially in a professional facility like school. Each school’s administration should do what it feels is right, but asking for student input might go a long way to ensuring more cooperation with the dress code.