Dress code has been controversial in schools across the United States like San Benito High and Los Gatos Middle School, just to name a few.
The 2017-2018 HHS student handbook dress code is explained as following, “The atmosphere of the school is dedicated to the business of learning. Students’ appearances contribute to a positive atmosphere. Any clothing that detracts from the educational process or that is offensive in nature is prohibited.”
As many people know, dress code is a controversial topic, not only, for Hastings High students but also for various schools all around the United States including San Benito High and Los Gatos Middle School in California. Almost every school has a policy in place containing extensive guidelines determining what will be considered appropriate attire.
Page 10 of the handbook clearly outlines the guidelines Hastings High has in place. They range everywhere from provocative necklines to spiked jewelry. The end of the dress code section contains a paragraph in summary stating that staff members along with the principal’s final authority is what determines a violation of the policy.
Schools across the nation have very similar rules regarding the attire of their students. The strictness has been the cause of widespread outrage of students and now even parents from California to Tennessee to Utah. Many feel as though the policies target the female body creating a negative image regarding clothing.
A popular rule is no excessive skin is allowed to be shown, including shoulders. Off the shoulder tops are a very popular fashion trend right now, but go against most schools dress codes.
One school in Hollister, California drew attention with a different display from their male students. Male students joined the protest by wearing female tops showing their shoulders, in attempts to demonstrate the dress code sexualizes female clothing.
These tweets went viral, getting notice from big news stations such as Fox News. Students around the U.S. are baffled by the policies and are calling attention to the negative perception of the female body these rules are creating.
A Los Gatos middle school is now considering a change in the dress code after a father of a 13-year-old student raised anger about an incident with his daughter. The young girl was told her romper was distracting to the boys. The father got the attention of a local CBS news, who reported on the story.
“We have to have dress codes that are fair and reasonable and that don’t cause them emotional issues; cause them to question their bodies or feel like they’re sex symbols at 13 years old,” said Alarcon. “Because they’re not. They’re just kids.” (See article here.)
Other parents commented on the post, one woman explaining her daughter has serious body image issues stemming from the cultural shaming and sexualising of girls bodies.
With many concerns arising around the nation, a bigger issue is being brought to light around the country, and here in Hastings.
