Dress code violations are an issue of obscenity. Though many may consider clothing as a form of self-expression, once a student enters a public school, some of their rights can be limited. Though given more freedom than in many private schools, students cannot express themselves in a way that disrupts the educational environment. Such is the case with dress codes. This exercise has come into play often lately with the new sporting event rules like the banning of wearing sports bras to games.
In the middle of class I witnessed a cheerleader pick up her books from the floor. She was completely exposed.
The new dress code states that students may not wear any clothing that disturbs the educational environment. It is prohibited to wear anything that does not meet reasonable standards of health, modesty and decency.
The old dress code stated various lengths of clothing allowed and included a long list of types of clothing that were prohibited. The administration thought that the list was far too specific and didn’t include all possible violations. Instead, they made the new code more vague and open to interpretation.
They hoped to gain more control over preventing obscene clothing. According to a dean I spoke with, the unintended outcome is that the dress code is becoming far less enforced and people are dressing worse than before.
It seems strange that a certain group of students is permitted to “skirt” around the dress code guidelines. Cheerleaders and Pom Squad girls are often seen wearing uniforms in school that clearly do not meet the expectations of the dress code.
If the rest of the student body is expected to adhere to a certain dress code, then why should cheerleaders be permitted to wear skirts that are far shorter than the guidelines?
I have nothing against cheerleaders but my mind is struck by this incongruity.
People should not be given special treatment just because they represent the school at football games. In fact, because they represent the school, they should adhere to higher standards. Otherwise the school would not be presenting a good image of itself. Those in the public eye need to have a presentable image.
Though LHS cheerleading uniforms are not any more obscene than cheerleading uniforms in other schools, something needs to be done to fix the system.
Volleyball players are required to wear revealing shorts at games because it helps them play better. This is also the case with cheerleading uniforms. However, volleyball players are not allowed to wear these uniforms to school. Cheerleaders are.
Certainly the school is opposed to students presenting a negative image of LHS. The football rules were publicized so LHS students will meet community standards at games. The school wants a positive image to be shown. Banning black face paint, lewd signs and sports bras at football games are an attempt to put the school in a good light. What makes lewd cheerleading outfits any different?
It is not necessary for skirts to come down to the knees, but some common decency would be nice. The classroom is no place for indecent exposure.
illustration by Taylor Alkemade
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