Are high school dress codes too strict?

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Those who attended a public grade school with uniforms are familiar with the typical dress codes. While we were in elementary school, we simply followed the rules with no questions asked. But as we reached middle school and high school, many of us began to notice something odd about the dress codes – especially for females.

“No shirts exposing shoulders and bra straps,” “No spaghetti straps,” and “Shorts must be passed your fingertips,” are a few of the many rules that are strictly enforced.

Those who attended a public grade school with uniforms are familiar with the typical dress codes. While we were in elementary school, we simply followed the rules with no questions asked. But as we reached middle school and high school, many of us began to notice something odd about the dress codes – especially for females.

“No shirts exposing shoulders and bra straps,” “No spaghetti straps,” and “Shorts must be passed your fingertips,” are a few of the many rules that are strictly enforced.

But why? Will a spaghetti strap shirt ruin someone’s education? Will a shoulder cause someone to fail their test?

Many factors play a role in the controversial debate about school dress codes that I will not be able to touch base on. However, I will state a few of the many reasons why I believe dress codes should be reevaluated.

Although the rules were created with good intentions, it definitely could be seen otherwise. In general, we should all be allowed to wear what we want – to an extent – without any punishment. I agree that kids should not wear anything gang related or violent on their clothing, but simple rules that dictate whether someone can wear spaghetti straps are out of hand.

Society is ever-changing, so is the fashion trend. For clothing choice, we wear what is offered to us. Mainstream brands offer us clothing options that seem to be a little more revealing these days – so why should we be punished to wear the clothing that is available to us?

I also believe that school dress codes body shame. Take, for instance, the rule that girls cannot wear shirts that reveal too much cleavage. What if she was born with large breasts and cannot help it? She is punished for wearing a shirt simply because her breasts are too accentuated in it, resulting in the assumption of distraction that will soon affect others’ academics.

I believe this generation has matured and are worrying about more important issues than being distracted by spaghetti straps and shoulders. School dress codes should be reevaluated and less strict, allowing students to express themselves without the fear of being punished.