Jiana Rush
Staff Reporter
Dress code policies in public schools have been an ongoing debate throughout American society specifically. It has often been perceived as sexist and a limitation to expressing oneself through clothing.
In Irownwood’s community of students, many have joined the fight against the “sexist” policy. Ironwood’s vice principal Reginna Lewis has expressed that it is all about perspective. Lewis says, “The policy states, ‘Peoria schools are a place of learning where students can express themselves while also promoting each school’s behavior expectations–so the value of the student dress code has highlighted the culture and religious diversity and individuality of our students. Appropriate student dress continues to be [part of] a safe-workplace and educational atmosphere and the success of the entire community.’” She then goes on to explain that the policy was updated to offer a more “broad” view of who is wearing what.
The dress code is not gender specific anymore and Lewis pointed out that just because it is more common for females to wear tank tops and similar clothing to that, the dress code is not sexist but perceived as such. When asked how administration combats this fight from students, Lewis stated, “A lot of it is the perspective of how you’re looking at it. You know, this is a school…I can’t just dress however I want. When you go out into the workforce, you can’t just show up to work wearing whatever you want.” Seeing as school is somewhat of a professional environment that prepares young adults for the “real world”, it is not a far off request that students wear clothing that is rather modest.
Lewis noted that when enrolling in a public school a document is signed, also known as the student handbook, that discloses the school’s guidelines including the dress code. Students are supposed to adhere to the rules and guidelines, which have evidently been written to be more lenient as time goes on, in return for receiving an education. Some see fighting the dress code as an act of defiance or a search for problems when there are none. With the new policy set in place, along with the primary policy, less protesting should occur.
Image Credit: Wix.com
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