What do you think about having a school dress code? / myLot

United States

January 5, 2007 8:41am CST

I like the idea of having uniforms but my childs school has a dress code that causes a lot of problems. They tell you what type and color clothes and shoes and jewery you can wear but it is very confusing because you go buy something you think is right and they send you a note saying it is not in code or it is ok for some kids to wear this but not others. My childs school is having to write a three hundred word letter to the principal about why they don't like the dress code. My child is not going to hold anything back on this one and i'll back her one hundred percent. A dress code should be clear anf fair for everyone.

4 responses

thinkingoutloud

@thinkingoutloud (6127)

• Canada

5 Jan 07

When my kids were in grade school, it was decided to implement a dress code (blue and white, pretty easy to follow, even by just shopping in regular department stores). However, they made the dress code OPTIONAL! What is the point of THAT? Some kids do it, some kids don't? Dress codes are about compliance and, if not everyone complies, then you don't have a dress code. It sounds like your child's school is awfully inconsistent. It should never be ok for some kids to wear something and not others. Even at the high school my girls attend now, there is a dress code -- not uniforms but rather a clear, concise statement of what is not permitted (i.e., no spaghetti straps, belly shirts, all hoodies, hats, etc., must be stored in lockers...). They actually print this in the school agenda so that every student has it. It's still not enforced consistently, though, which is a shame. It has potential but they aren't all the way there with it.

conniej14

@conniej14 (248)

• United States

5 Jan 07

I know, the problem we have is that they are not being consistent and thenmaking it impossible because when kids seeing others wearing something and not getting into trouble about it then they think it is ok for them also and that is the way it should be but it's not. I have to wonder if the school can't even come up with a plan that works for kids clothes then how can they teach our children?

schools

thinkingoutloud

@thinkingoutloud (6127)

• Canada

5 Jan 07

LOL amen... you would think this would be a MUCH easier process. Here's another example from the high school I was referring to... they started a policy of keeping a sweater in each classroom (and the vice-principal made a big deal out of pointing this out to parents at a 'welcome back' meeting). Any girl showing up to school in a tank top, baby tee, etc., would be asked to cover up. If she had nothing else of her own to put on, she would be given this big ol' granny sweater to wear for the rest of the day. BUT.. the teachers don't enforce it and, on a daily basis, my kids see other girls at school in tops, skirts, and more, that violate the dress code. They HAVE sent kids home due to dress code violations but, again, it's inconsistent. Some staff enforce it, some don't. It's frustrating.

tbomb2002

@tbomb2002 (269)

• United States

5 Jan 07

I am all for school uniforms. I know school uniforms are usually connected to Catholic schools, but I really wish more public schools would impliment this as well. I think the some of the benefits of school uniforms would be (1) preventing gang colors in schools (2) decreasing violence and theft because of clothing and shoes (3) instilling discipline among students (4) reducing distractions for students (5) instilling a sense of community (6) and helping schools recognize those who do not belong on campus.