Do the dress code policies are the right choice by educational institutes?
Or it’s a significant threat to student’s rights.
Dress code policies are imposed in many organizations to develop a sense of unity and equality among all the students (Shriver, 2019). These policies are promptly followed by educational institutes to create uniformity and responsibility that is widely appreciated by parents as it will not burden their pockets and release the stress of everyday attire. However; the standard dress codes adopted by many schools are slammed by the parents because it humiliates children for their choices (Forestieri, 2019). Dress codes create great self-discipline and create good habits. Each morning has to make sure our clothes are tidy, ironed, or what so ever (Shriver, 2019). Good self-discipline establishes a sense of responsibility for personal appearance. However, these policies are opposed by parents for being unrealistic and enforced in a way that shames and humiliates girls (Forestieri, 2019).
In 1992, President Bill Clinton has recognized the idea of implementing the appropriate dress codes in schools that will reduce violence and improve the school climate (Shriver, 2019). According to parents, struggling for the selection and maintenance of everyday clothing may result in wastage of time and give rise to many issues early in the morning. They recognize these policies good for developing disciplinary qualities and responsibility among the student (Shriver, 2019). Dress codes are significantly followed in the religious institutes as it reduces the chance of rule violation and develops unity. Apart from everyday clothing decisions, dress codes are removing socioeconomic pressure from parents stated by the principal of Lima central catholic high school (Shriver, 2019). It doesn’t involve any brand stuff or signature attire that minimizes the competition among the students. Implementing dress codes within the campus helps to develop a semi-professional atmosphere similar to the workplace environment. It improves the behavior of students, and minimize the chance of bullies and suspension as well (Shriver, 2019). Clothing policies are also providing relief to students on specific occasions or days. For instance, on birthday, the student is allowed to wear out-of-uniform cloths of his/her choice (Shriver, 2019). Many schools are maintaining separate attire for games other functions so, the dress code policy isn’t a bad option to follow at institutes.
Many schools are following the dress code policies religiously and impose heavy punishment on violating rules. At the same time parents opposed these policies in terms of humiliating and shaming girls on adopting their personal choices over policies (Forestieri, 2019). The students and parents consider the dress code outdated due to which school board renovates the school dress code policy stating what should be worn by students from head to toe that is variably adopted by each institute according to their requirements. It also assures the clothing shouldn’t be problematic or create a distraction (Forestieri, 2019). According to school staff member Shanna Bengtson; each person has a different shape of body and attire should vary according to it (Forestieri, 2019). Many girls claimed to be humiliated in case of violation even when they are following these policies promptly. Heavy punishments or suspensions due to violation of rules could develop inequity and affect the student’s education (Forestieri, 2019). Specific dress codes couldn’t fit each body; the dress codes should be designed, by considering the student’s ease and choices, and frequently revise the policies according to requirements (Forestieri, 2019).
Although imposing a dress code is probably the best choice in many institutes to create a peaceful atmosphere and unity. However, the tuff penalty or mistreatment would affect the student’s education and demolish their confidence. The dress code policies should be flexible that could be adopted by each student effortlessly.
Reference
Shriver, S. (2019, February 3). Uniformly accepted: Schools relax policies on clothing options. Retrieved June 28, 2020, from https://www.limaohio.com/news/339710/uniformly-accepted-schools-relax-policies-on-clothing-options
Forestieri, K. (2019, December 20). Students, parents complain that dress codes target, humiliate girls. Retrieved June 28, 2020, from https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2019/12/20/students-parents-complain-that-dress-codes-target-humiliate-girls