[Source: Author, Chloe S. Mun]
Whether dress codes are a form of strict uniforms or general guidelines, it’s an essential part of our culture. What you wear portrays your identity, and would promote professionalism and foster a sense of community. If dress codes did not exist, students can wear racial, sexist, or homophobic content on their clothing which can be deemed inappropriate. Inappropriate slogans or offensive symbols would create distraction to others, and to prevent this, dress codes are needed. In schools with dress codes, it is more likely that students would be seen as “equal” and their socioeconomic status would not be distinguishable.
On the other hand, school dress codes can send a negative message to students that self-identity should not be expressed through clothing. Self expression should not be considered as an inconvenience or a distraction, because it’s the lifeblood of our nation. Schools should be an environment where students prepare to be helpful members of the society, and learn how to demonstrate citizenship. Citizenship includes the core values of confidence and self-expression, and should be encouraged to students. The harsh policies of dress codes should not limit students from expression. Everybody treasures their freedom of expression, and students should be able to learn their constitutional values at a young age.
[Source: Author, Chloe S. Mun]
I believe that dress codes are necessary, but the policies should be reviewed constantly and updated if needed. Schools should teach students how to be positively affecting the society as they grow older, and should teach them the right and wrong, but some strict guidelines are simply unnecessary in helping their future. Therefore, I believe that dress codes limit certain rights of a student, and should be revised to fit the modern society.
Chloe S. Mun, Grade 8
Jeffrey Trail Middle School
