M. Porter, Senior Executive, Master of Art, San Jose
Answered Nov 23, 2018
Yes and no. On the one hand, I think that a lot of the rules for dress code are a bit outdated. For example, some schools ban girls wearing tank tops and shorts that are too short, which seems very oppressive, restrictive, and ridiculous in the sense that when it is hot outside, kids should be allowed to wear clothes that make them feel relaxed and comfortable.
However, kids in a particular age group should not be allowed to wear anything offensive to the general public, such as profanity on a t-shirt, or a girl who has on a top that is see through. Also, dress codes may inadvertently shame girls who are body conscious.
I do think that dress codes are necessary to a certain extent. It will allow students to become more disciplined because they have rules to follow. Making some rules about what they should wear does not mean that they are being forced to forget about individuality. They can still express their personality through the clothes that they wear as long as they adhere to the dress code.
What makes dress code unnecessary when girls and boys are not given the same rules to follow. If the dress code will be implemented, it has to be fair to girls too. Dress codes should allow equal opportunities for both boys and girls to dress decently. It should not be created to single out the girls alone.