In recent discussions about high school dress codes, many have questioned their fairness and practicality. But what if an adult were to attempt to comply with these rules? One writer took on this challenge, revealing just how complicated these dress codes can be, particularly for young women.
Jane Thompson, a writer for a lifestyle magazine, decided to test the dress codes from various American high schools against her own adult wardrobe. The findings were quite eye-opening. Jane collected dress code guidelines from eight different schools and endeavored to modify her work attire to fit these often ambiguous and confusing regulations. The conclusion? It was exceptionally difficult.
Initially, Jane found the dress code from the first school manageable. She could wear an outfit she typically donned for work, largely due to the vague nature of the rules. Phrases like “no excessively revealing tops” and “no overly short skirts” left much open to interpretation. This raises a significant question: who determines what is considered “excessive”? Such ambiguity grants teachers considerable discretion in enforcing dress codes, which can lead to inconsistent applications of the rules.
As Jane continued her experiment, the dress codes became increasingly stringent. One school prohibited tank tops entirely. This begs the question: are shoulders so scandalous? She also highlighted the ridiculousness of the “fingertip” rule, which states that skirts and shorts must not be shorter than the fingertips when arms are at the sides. This is arbitrary—girls with shorter arms would have an easier time adhering to the rule than taller girls.
Another school had a measurement system that mandated that shorts and skirts must be at least six inches off the ground while kneeling. This means a student would have to kneel in front of a teacher to have their attire measured, a humiliating experience Jane chose to simulate by having her male supervisor measure her dress while she knelt. She described it as “terrible for everyone involved.”
The final dress code Jane tried was particularly extreme. It included requirements such as:
- Tops must be solid colors without collars, designs, or logos.
- Skirts must reach the bend of the knee.
- No shorts or skorts allowed beyond fourth grade.
- All shirts must have sleeves covering the shoulders.
- Pants must be made of “substantial material.”
To meet these stringent guidelines, Jane ended up wearing a pajama shirt, as nothing else in her wardrobe complied. The term “substantial material” is vague and perplexing—does it mean burlap? Given that this school is located in a warm climate, mandating heavy fabrics could lead to discomfort.
Ultimately, Jane concluded that adhering to these stringent dress codes can be a significant distraction for high school girls, potentially more so than the sight of a shoulder in a biology class, which is often cited as the reason for such rules. The enforcement of these dress codes can be influenced by a girl’s body type and financial means, creating an unfair playing field. For instance, finding appropriate shorts that fit the rules can be nearly impossible for taller girls in warm states.
Proponents of strict dress codes argue they prepare students for the “real world” where dress codes are prevalent. However, as Jane emphasizes, high school is not the same as adult life. Perhaps schools should consider relaxing these dress codes, allowing students to concentrate on their primary purpose for being there: learning.
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Summary
Jane Thompson’s exploration of high school dress codes reveals the challenges that come with adhering to these often vague and confusing regulations, highlighting the unfairness and distractions they pose for young women. As schools may benefit from re-evaluating these policies, the focus should shift back to education rather than attire.
Keyphrase: High school dress codes
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