While out walking my dog this weekend, I overhead two mothers talking about “back to school” for their sons. They were talking about bus stop locations, signing up their sons for sports teams and something about collared shirts and khaki pants.
It reminded me of my time served in Catholic School during the 3rd and 4th grade. Boys had to wear collared shirts, khaki pants and dress shoes. Girls had to wear an actual jumper uniform (like a short dress).
I think school uniforms, and dress codes in general, are ridiculous.
When I heard my neighbor’s sons who attend this prep school that costs $30,000/year having a standard dress code, I wondered “What’s so special about collared shirts and khaki pants?”
I even went to the schools website to read the policy. It states:
“the school is…an academic institution. The whole community loses, and our academic efforts are undermined, when specific clothing or general issues of proper attire become a distraction.”
Please.
I get it that a school doesn’t want girls walking around in thongs and miniskirts. Or boys wearing shirts with offensive words or graphics.
But let’s get real. No parent paying $30K/year for grade/middle/high school is going to let their kid dress that way.
And what’s the deal with collared shirts anyway? Does a collar somehow make you a better student?
As an adult, I almost never wear collared shirts anymore. I own two – which I bought for dates and funerals. I wore one once in the last 4 years.
And yet, I guarantee, not a single person has ever been upset by my attire.
I have an alternative suggestion for eliminating dress codes – and for the matter – most of the rest of the rules in student handbook.
Use your best judgement.
People would be shocked at how well this works nearly 100% of the time.
And in the rare instances when it doesn’t, it presents an actual learning opportunity. Imagine that.
Rules for rules sake. What’s the point?