The Eagle Eye Newspaper

By Emme Hogge, Managing Editor

San Juan Unified School District recently came out with a new proposed dress code, which is open for feedback and will be modified according to how schools in SJUSD receive it.

The dress code is constructed through the efforts of The Dress Code Committee, which is a committee within SJUSD. This committee is in charge of looking at dress codes from other districts as well as schools inside our district to decide which points they agreed with and which they didn’t. Teachers in San Juan will receive a presentation on the proposed dress code on May 7th, and will have the opportunity to share their feedback on it. Based on this feedback, the dress code will be revised before it is put into place and enforced at schools in the SJUSD.

When constructing a dress code, there are many different perspectives and values that come into play. Principal Evelym Welborn reflected on some of these perspectives. 

“Can students wear something that helps the adults in the building feel comfortable–while respecting students’ desires to wear the things they want, but also trying to help students understand [you’re getting ready] to be an adult,” Welborn explained.

Taking all of this into account, SJUSD acknowledges that their proposed dress code may or may not be well received by different students and staff members, which is why it will not be set in stone until feedback is acquired.

The dress code begins by stating its core values, explaining that the proposition aims to treat all students equally, not target a specific group or community, allow for comfort and promote a healthy body-image and self-expression. It then goes on to state its purpose, which is to “maintain a safe learning environment,” and create minimal interruptions for the enforcement of the dress code.

Section 1 of the dress code states that students must wear a non-transparent shirt and bottom; the shirt must cover the rib cage and the bottoms must cover the buttocks while sitting and standing. Section 2 lists what students are allowed to wear, as long as it is in accordance with Section 1.

The proposed dress code does multiple things well; for one, it doesn’t mention any specific gender, and rather refers only to “students.” This addresses the fact that dress codes historically and stereotypically are only enforced onto girls. The dress code also allows for students to wear clothes that have, in the past, been considered inappropriate, such as spaghetti strapped tank-tops, tube tops, midriff-baring tops, pajama bottoms, and exposed waistband or strap of underwear. 

Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression. It is important for teenagers and young adults to have freedom of expression and the independence that comes with how they choose to dress. Wearing clothing that aligns with our personal values and beliefs can contribute to one’s sense of purpose, and wearing what you wish helps build confidence. Independence is one of the pivotal attributes of an adult, and however small some of these every-day choices may seem, like dressing oneself, they contribute to how independent a person is. Schools should promote and encourage the pursuit of independence, and having a non-strict dress code greatly contributes to this.

Alternatively, some may argue that having a strict dress code, or even a school-wide uniform, teaches students how to dress appropriately while in a professional setting, just as teachers dress professionally at school. Although this is true, it is also important that students are able to learn in a comfortable, safe environment. At a school where an unreasonably particular dress code is enforced and students are constantly subjected to comments on what they are wearing, it is easy to feel targeted or discriminated against. Uniforms also have the same effect, and teach students to conform, not to be creative. Both uniforms and strict dress codes can affect students’ self-confidence and body-image, which play a huge role in mental health and in turn academic performance.

Feeling comfortable and confident in what one wears contributes to a positive attitude and increased productivity. Freedom of expression also helps students develop a positive self-image and a greater sense of independence. SJUSD’s new dress code aims to acknowledge and protect students’ rights, while also not discriminating based on gender, sexuality, race, religion and body type. After not having an official dress code at EC for many years, the proposed dress code will be a great way to perpetuate student’s freedoms, while also regulating inappropriate and hateful material.