Imagine ASL had strict dress code rules like at British schools, with preppy school uniforms including blouses, checkered skirts or long dark trousers. Students would have to wear the school uniform to school, which would stifle creativity and expression through your clothes. Everybody would look the same and there would be no diversity.
However, unlike a school uniform, ASL had a dress code which included rules like no “short shorts” or “low cut blouses”.
These rules did not prevent students from expressing themselves or feeling comfortable at school. We were hardly in a repressed environment with the dress code, and the attire policy has left students unsure of what they are wearing.
The old dress code was fairly relaxed, yet appropriate for school. If ASL had a more lenient dress code where students can show their stomachs or wear strapless tops, does that provoke an image that this clothing is appropriate for future jobs? Why should a school have more relaxed rules than our society? If someone gets judged for wearing an inappropriate outfit in an important place, such as at work or a place of worship, then it shouldn’t be acceptable within a school.
Although we are not at an age where we have jobs, at this point in time students’ main responsibilities are to learn and grow, which takes place at school. Children not only learn math and a language in school, but they develop a sense of culture and what is accepted in society. If students develop an opinion that wearing casual clothing to school is allowed, this sends a message that it is acceptable for their future adult lives.
The new Attire Policy at ASL states that a student can wear whatever they feel is appropriate for school, and a teacher may question the student if they have concerns. But what is appropriate for school? A student or parent may feel something is appropriate for school, whereas a teacher may have a different opinion. Without a true dress code or rules, what students wear becomes subjective as the definition of ‘appropriate’ is undefined. This leads the students to feel unsure about what they can wear to school and stressed if a teacher will confront them.
ASL needs a dress code in which it is clear what is classed as suitable or not. These rules should not diminish students’ personality or opportunity to express themselves. However, it should provide a message about what is accepted in society in a formal setting. As a member of any community, workplace, or team, you represent the face of that organization and project their principles.
What messages should ASL students be portraying to the outside community about our values? What students wear portrays an image of the quality of our school. If students are wearing inappropriate clothing to school, then they represent our school in a far too casual light. Bringing back the formal, yet flexible old dress code would ensure ASL is highly respected as a school. Compared to restricting school uniforms, this doesn’t seem like much to ask.
