Dress Code

by: Carley Carpenter, Senior

November 28, 2016

Things are different around Fergus High this year. There are new teachers, new principals, new counselors, new clubs, and, to the students’ dismay, some new rules. Many students have different views on all the changes happening around the school, but the thing that a majority of students seem to feel similarly about is the enforcement of a dress code. It seems that the dress code is stricter this year than in the past, but in reality, the code is the same as previous years, and is only being firmly enforced this year. Many students are left feeling that the rules of the code are unfair and not necessary, but the interviewed staff feels differently.

Some of the rules of the dress code that are being enforced this year include no hats in the building (this includes thick headbands), three finger width tank top straps, skirts to the end of the finger tips, shorts to the end of the palm, and no yoga pants or leggings without a long shirt. Students have been vocal about their feelings on this topic, and some have gone as far as to speak with Vice Principal Mr. Jeff Friesen. Although many students are unhappy with the strict enforcement of the code, staff members feel that it is important to continue to enforce and be consistent with the dress code for the sake of the students and the school atmosphere. When discussing the issue with Vice Principal Friesen, he stated that “every student comes from a different background. We are trying to teach our students that there are certain times when you should be dressed in a certain way, and there are times when that can be relaxed. It is important for everyone to understand what those boundaries are so our students can be successful in their personal and professional lives. When kids have role models that don’t remove their hat during the national anthem, that becomes a basic issue of respect. Who is teaching those kids what’s appropriate?” To Friesen, the goal is to make sure that all students understand when and where they need to be appropriate and professional. “If something is in the handbook, we need to enforce it, and we can’t just allow some people can get away with things that others cannot. We are trying to be very consistent and fair to all the students,” said Counselor, Mrs. Karen Durbin. Although the staff has good intentions, is this enough to gain the students approval?

It is clear that students are not happy with these “new rules”, and oftentimes, students are vocal about their feelings.. Durbin relayed that she has had students say “this is really stupid,” “this is really dumb,” “I can’t believe that this is inappropriate,” and other comments similar to these, but the ones saying these things are usually abusers of the dress code. Although the job of enforcing the code can be difficult at times, the staff feels that it is important for students to accept the rules and follow them. When discussing this, Friesen said “I try to look at the big picture. If someone is upset about [the dress code], I get it, but I feel it’s my job as the vice principal to ensure that our students are successful. I do this so that our students can be better; if that makes me unpopular, so be it.” Unfortunately, this is what seems to be happening among a group of students.

Numerous teens do not understand the reason for the code, or why it is being enforced this year. FHS senior Abigail Gatz said “I was shocked at the rule with the leggings, because it hasn’t been this way for my past three years of high school. People had to change the way they dress; I had to. I bought athletic leggings for this year, and now I can’t wear them because I don’t have shirts that are long enough to cover the front and back. That was costly, and I am upset about that.” Various other students feel the same; they wish there had been warning for these changes before the school year so they wouldn’t have spent money on things that they cannot wear to school. Senior Jozee Plouffe said that “students should be able to wear what they want to be comfortable and to be able to learn. It is our job as students to learn, and when we get pulled out of class because of what we wear, that takes away from our education.” Freshman Logan Errecart expressed that he does not like the dress code because it is more directed at girls, and takes away the girls’ freedom of expression.

Of course, with all those that disagree with the dress code, there are some that appreciate the enforced rules. These students feel that the dress code doesn’t really affect them personally or interfere with the learning process. “Honestly, I am a little self-conscious when I wear leggings, but I felt like I should wear them with certain outfits and stuff. It was always a hard decision on if I felt confident enough to wear leggings that particular day. Now, I just don’t have to even worry about it anymore.” said one FHS senior. Other students expressed that they don’t wear leggings, shorts, or skirts to school anyway, so it isn’t a problem for them.

No matter what, dress code will always be a controversial topic. Here at FHS, the staff is simply trying to do what is best for the students, and clearly many members of the student body are unhappy. After first quarter, the dress code is still going strong, and the teachers plan to continue the enforcement.