What Not To Wear
“What to wear?” a common question asked frequently by indecisive high school students on a daily basis. When asking this question one must take into account not only what the current fashion fad may be but if it applies to the school dress code. If you are searching for what the dress code may be, don’t look in the Guilford county schools student handbook. It won’t be there. You’d think it’d more convenient to put all the information in the Guilford County School handbook, but not every school has the same dress code rules. For example, one school may be totally fine with the fact that female students show their shoulders or have holes in their jeans but one may take you out of your learning environment and put you in a separate room all because of a skirt being an inch too short.
According to the Eastern Guilford High School dress code policy, students are expected to wear
“School Appropriate Clothing”. But what does that mean exactly? We interviewed a couple of students and most of them felt very strongly about getting rid of some restrictions. We also talk to some teachers and most agreed that we should mandate uniforms. Here is what some had to say:
“Dress code should be more lenient towards male and female students. Male students do not sexualize female shoulders. Our dress code takes away from our self expression. Certain types of shirts should be allowed.” - Isaiah Wallace, Senior
“I feel that the dress code is biased. There are more regulations for female students than male students. It has always been more lenient towards male students.” - Brittany Pinson, Junior
“I agree with the idea of having some restrictions about dress but I don’t necessarily agree with all the restrictions that are in place.” - Mrs. Hollingsworth, Social Studies
“We should all wear uniforms. We’re the only country in the world that doesn’t.” - Mr. Noberts, CTE
“Our dress code doesn’t let us express ourselves. It doesn’t let us wear what’s in. When you go to a clothing store and you see a cute, off the shoulder top, you know you can’t wear it to school because it’s against the rules.” - Danesha Carelock, Senior
“Dress code doesn’t apply to some male students.” - Chris Mcmullen,Senior
Many schools - including Eastern - respond to dress code by enforcing a distraction free environment. After talking to some students, most felt that the dress code is more strict on female students than male students. Teenage girls are repeatedly told to cover up to avoid “distracting” male classmates or to avoid making male teachers “uncomfortable”. Easterns dress code is considered “gender-neutral”. But not everyone feels that way..
Having a dress code is not a bad thing. But when certain students are called out because of something they’re wearing is “too distracting” and they have to be put in a “separate environment”, it takes away from their education. It causes a much bigger problem than it started out to be. Most teachers and/or staff members single students out. Many might not have that intention, but it still happens and it’s humiliating.
Dress code seems to be a touchy subject with everyone. Obeying and enforcing it is not always easy. People have a different notion of what’s appropriate and what is not - and what’s distracting and what’s not. There are some people who argue that the best way to battle this dilemma is to require uniforms. Others question the value of any strict code. This topic has become such a controversy in most schools and court rooms. Consistency is very important in enforcing the rules. But sometimes people fail to realize that.
In conclusion, everyone feels very strongly about getting rid of dress code all together. Also there is a very strong want for uniforms by most teachers. It’s hard to have a consistent code when everyone is doing the opposite. If you have any questions about Eastern Guilford High School dress code, you can refer to the schools handbook.
