Introduction

Most schools in the US enforce a specific dress code, which means that any student attending classes in a given school should wear certain clothing types. Dress codes vary from one school to another but are usually based on an elected school board’s general policies in each county. Although some people believe that public schools in the United States do not have a specified dress code, research has indicated that public schools, especially those in urban areas, have introduced strict dress codes in the past two decades (Birel, 2016). Essentially, dress codes are, in most cases, similar depending on the type of school a student goes to, whether private or public.

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Dress Codes in Public Schools

Although one is not required to wear any school uniform when they attend public school in the United States, they are provided with guidelines on the types of clothing they should wear. In public schools, dress codes are necessary as they promote modesty and decency. According to guidelines provides for public schools around the country, students should wear reasonably modest. This means that clothes should be decent and cover the body well. The guidelines on modest dressing help in ensuring there is no distraction, and students are safe (Jones, 2017). For instance, when a female student dresses provocatively, she might distract other students. Furthermore, learning institutions are filled with people from all walks of life, and there is no telling what someone might do when they see a beautiful female student wear provocatively; thus, there is a need to ensure female students are safe. Specifically, for some schools, female students are asked to wear shorts or skirts a bit longer than their fingertips when their arms are extended at their sides. Also, students are expected not to wear ripped clothes or those showing too much skin. The same case applies to male students, as they should wear knee-length shorts. Furthermore, the shorts should be worn above the hips, meaning that no student is allowed to sag their shorts or trousers (Edwards & Marshall, 2020). However, modest dressing is a topic open to interpretation depending on one’s values.

Also, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, off-shoulder shirts, tank tops, and strapless tops are not allowed in many schools. This is especially so if the attire exposes bra strap or shoulder for a female student. The same applies to male students, as they cannot wear clothes showing abdominal sides and nipples. For instance, in Chelalis Middle School, located in Washington State, students cannot wear tops whose coverage on the shoulders is less than two fingers wide(Edwards & Marshall, 2020). This is to ensure that students do not expose their upper bodies to the public.

Also, many schools require female students to wear skirts on top of yoga pants and spandex leggings. The students can also wear long tops or other clothing covering the genital and bottom region. For instance, the guidelines of Warren Central School indicate that any students wearing tights or leggings should also wear a fingertip length dress, longer top, or skirt(Edwards & Marshall, 2020). Such guidelines prevent other students from being distracted from learning and help protect the students who would otherwise wear such clothes and probably be objectified by other students.

Furthermore, students are not allowed to wear clothes with logos, as some may be representing outlawed gangs or messages that may be uncomfortable for other people in the school. Also, no student should wear any clothing with provocative messages. Necklaces with signs affiliated with gangs are also not allowed in most schools in the United States(Edwards & Marshall, 2020). This helps ensure there is harmony in each school as these learning institutions host people from different backgrounds.

Dress Codes in Private Schools

Over the past several years, private schools have evolved from the traditional school uniform guidelines to dress codes. Currently, school uniforms are worn by students attending military and religious schools. The school uniform was first practiced in the 1500s in England and has spread to different parts around the world. School uniforms are essential as they promote social equality and boost the students’ morale (Jones, 2017). When students from a specified school wear identical clothes, it becomes difficult to identify the social class.

Many private schools have dress codes and uniform traditions attributing to British public schools, where uniforms have been worn for centuries. For instance, Eton College male students are synonymous with their starched collars and tails, which are part of their uniforms. However, that is not the case for every private school in the United States. The dress code of a typical private school is much looser. For example, male students may wear a white shirt, blazer, school tie, socks, slacks, and black shoes. On the other hand, a female student can choose between a dress and a blouse with slacks and a skirt (Jones, 2017). To make the uniform complete, the student puts on a blazer.

Difference between a Dress Code and Uniform

A school uniform is one standard and specific style of dress worn by every student to make them identical. The uniform should be identical in color and style. However, some private schools may allow additions to the schools uniform like vests or sweaters be worn over the uniforms. Furthermore, regulations differ from one school to another, and some schools may allow students to add a little style to their uniforms. Some may also allow students to add little accessories. Nonetheless, there are specific limitations to what one may add to the uniform. On the other hand, a dress code is an outline detailing acceptable attire, which is not limited to a couple of options. A dress code is not a rule but a guideline, which provides students with an idea of dressing in school. A dress code tries to create conformity in school and not uniformity. As such, a uniform may be viewed as a stricter version of a dress code.

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Importance of Dress Codes and Uniforms in Schools

Many schools around the country have implemented dress codes and uniforms. The primary reasons for the implementation are practical and social. Practically, a standardized uniform allows a student to study while wearing minimum clothing. Furthermore, a uniform acts as an equalizer for social status. It is hard to differentiate between a student whose family is rich and one whose family is not rich when they wear the same outfit. In such a case, uniformity comes in handy (Jones, 2017). However, students are witty and sometimes overcome this social equality aspect brought about by uniformity and add accessories and jewelry to their uniforms.

As stated before, dress codes also help school administrations limit students from wearing provocative clothes. This is because different people attend these schools, and the administrations cannot possibly be aware of what some of these individuals may do if provoked. Furthermore, some of these dress codes help in preventing gang activities and violence on the school premises. For instance, a student may wear an outfit representing a specific gang, and another student who happens to be a member of a rival gang gets provoked when they see the attire (Siner, 2017). This could lead to unprecedented incidents of violence which the school administration may be unable to handle.

Also, some people have indicated that students improve their academic performance when a dress code is instituted. However, it is important to note that a dress code cannot lead to better test scores; it only leads to better discipline and attendance, which, when coupled with teachers’ quality performance, leads to better grades. Research has indicated that when a school institutes a dress code, the students’ overall discipline, and attendance (Brobeck, 2018). Nonetheless, a school can only be successful in academics if its rules and regulations are consistently enforced.

In conclusion, dress codes in schools in the United States may vary depending on whether the institution is a private or public school. Most students in private schools in the country have been wearing school uniforms as mandated by school administrations. However, over the past 20 years, some private schools have evolved from putting stringent rules on uniforms and adopted to dress codes. On the other hand, students in public schools have not been wearing school uniforms. The schools have dress codes that students follow even when they do not have to wear uniforms.

References

Birel, F. K. (2016). Managers, Teachers, Students, and Parents’ Opinions Concerning Changes on Dress Code Practices as an Educational Policy. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 65, 345-364.

Brobeck, E. (2018). School uniform requirements: Effects on student academic performance

Edwards, T. K., & Marshall, C. (2020). Undressing policy: a critical analysis of North Carolina (USA) public school dress codes. Gender and Education, 32(6), 732-750.

Jones, T. Y. (2017). School Uniform Policy and Academic, Attendance, and Safety: A Study on the Influence of School Uniform Policy on Student Achievement (Doctoral dissertation, University of St. Francis).

Siner, A. G. (2017). Dressing to Impress: A Legal Examination of Dress Codes in Public Schools. Santa Clara L. Rev., 57, 259.

School Dress Codes