School Dress Codes

There has been some controversial topics about the school dress code lately, and now that warm weather is getting closer, there are some important things to know about dress codes that are entitled in public schools.

One of the most generic dress code is the "fingertip rule" which means shorts or skirts must extend beyond the fingertips. As this is totally reasonable, I think there are some other things that can be acceptable. As a fifteen year old sophomore, I had gotten these two inch platforms and tights that were black and cute. I always wear black shorts underneath my skirt or dress, just because I don't want to feel uncomfortable if I need to move around or if I was too lazy to cross my legs all day and act lady like.

 Although, as soon as I walk into the high school, the assistant principal stops me with my boyfriend and told me that my skirt was not passing fingertip length. I said it did and that I was wearing shorts underneath, but then he told me to go to the office and put on some black sweatpants, which by the way, embarrassed me a little and made me feel self conscious. Luckily, I tried to avoid him during the day and other teachers remarks.

I went home to tell my mother who was a bit upset with the fact that they told me to change, even if I was wearing shorts underneath my skirt. My mom and brother said there was nothing really long with the outfit. No gang related symbols or my whole stomach out or anything like that, but somehow he stopped me and told me it was not right to wear that.

I understand if my whole you-know-what was out, but it wasn't. I especially wear shorts underneath so you can't see my whole you-know-what. There has been many people who would have said my clothing was inappropriate, but hey! It's not. I believe that everyone has the right to express them self, as long as there is no nudity or anything that can be considered "dangerous."

Although, this hasn't been the first time I have got pulled over from my daily schedule and told to go change. Leggings are something that is not to be worn in school without a shirt or sweater covering your bottom. And there are even school that have banned leggings for being a distraction to other students.

We are teaching girls that we must cover up our body. Such as some schools, we can't show shoulders or wear tank tops with thin straps. We are teaching girls that we can't be happy with our body and we must hide it. That they are deserved to be punished and to switch out of their clothing.

My own boyfriend had a chain that clipped to his pant loops, and was told almost every single day to take it off because it is dangerous. My own brother had to stop wearing chains because it was dangerous. There is something not right about this situation.

The school dress code is something that needs to be edited to an extent. We need to teach girls and boys to respect each other. There is nothing wrong on what we wear or how we dress our hair. We're all humans and we can act with respect.