If clothes express who we supposedly are, then dress codes are simply censorship materialized in cotton. Picture this: you’re walking into school one day and rather than being welcomed with a smile, you’re met with an “ahh, here’s another one,” and immediately directed to an office because a teacher has accused you of rolling up your skirt to “show off your legs.” Does that sound familiar? Dress codes, especially in schools, become irrelevant day by day. Going back to the original purpose of dress codes, they are implemented by school districts to promote learning, safety, and image, according to the Free Speech Center. But is that really what they promote? As of today, dress codes aren’t used as much, and many argue that they’ve become outdated. Here’s why I agree.

You’d be surprised to discover that your right to self-expression disappears right when you walk into the doors of a private school, all under the name of dress codes. Most public schools don’t follow a uniform-only dress code. Instead, students have the freedom to wear any style and color of clothes of their choice as long as they don’t show mid-drift, shoulders, or upper legs. This happens because public schools are sponsored by the government and have to go by constitutional rights which includes self-expression, and one of the major ways that shows this is how you dress. On the other hand, Private schools are independent and don’t follow the same rules. They tend to enforce stricter or more specific dress codes and there is nothing a student can do about it because a contract was signed before enrollment. But this isn’t just about what clothes we wear, it’s about how inconsistent dress codes are becoming. A private school may require a uniform and specific types of shoes, maybe even specific hairstyles, while some don’t even have any. When it’s constantly changing, you might as well just stick to one or wear whatever. If dress codes vary between schools and who’s in charge, then they’re unfair so why have them in the first place?

Here’s a quick thought: If fashion supposedly “evolves” why are we still using dress codes made decades ago for the modern student?  Most school dress codes were made many years ago, during the times when society had strict and narrow ideas on how people should dress. So strict that exposed shoulders, legs, and other body parts were seen as inappropriate. People have different personal styles and looks that make up their identity, and dress codes hide those differences. They don’t promote learning in any way, but rather, they hinder people’s views and create an environment where students believe they need to blend in to be accepted. School is supposed to be about growth mentally and physically. So why is it so controlling? Holding on to the dress codes made years ago only negatively impacts progress as a society. 

I physically can’t count how many people I walk past in a day who are wearing something that violates the school’s dress code, however, it’s impossible to file infractions for almost everyone. Most of the time it’s all about luck, if you’re not seen by a teacher, you could get away with anything. Countless students do this nowadays, so why still implement the dress codes if most people don’t follow them? It all ranges from Birkenstocks to Uggs to wearing spirit wear when you’re not supposed to, even wearing pants under your skirt or just not wearing skirts at all. Many of The Village School’s students have been moving together when pulling stunts like this and most of them don’t care if they get infractions and they go on. Eventually, teachers get tired and let them be. Is this the so-called dress code system? If we’re implementing a dress code, do so to the brim rather than only implementing it sometimes or not at all.

Have you ever been called out by a teacher for something everyone does? And you’re left wondering why you got called out instead of every other student around you. It’s just because teachers are humans, they don’t tend to notice every detail and many students often get away with things that violate the dress codes and this is a major motivator for other people to start doing the same thing. As of right now, The Village School is stuck in that loop. Dress codes aren’t seen as that big of a deal anymore and are violated by most students. When they don’t get caught they keep doing it and it becomes outdated to the point where no one follows it anymore. The failure to maintain dress codes in most schools makes students feel more comfortable learning and confident coming to school every day. Students are able to express themselves positively, there’s less stress about violations and there’s a relaxed environment. Without having to worry about getting written up, students actually have the chance to focus on what matters.