Dress Code Inequity Leads to Reevaluation

By Lilyana Gabrielse


March, 2018

McFarland High School has officially joined the nation in discussing and reevaluating the dress codes many deemed inequitable; administrations all across the country are now asking, “how can we implement a body positive policy?” With complaints from teenagers on social media as well as frustrations within MHS student body, the inequality between the sexes has become hard to ignore.

Background Information:


To comply with Wisconsin state law, every year the district must review their own policies in assurance that they align with state protocols and neighboring districts. So as schools surrounding the Midwest voice more liberal views on school district may very well begin to change as well.


McFarland superintendent Dr. Andrew Bridell explained, “We [the school board and administration] want to implement a more gender neutral policy while still promoting a safe learning environment.”


Associate Principal Nichols confirmed similar hopes for the new dress code, including desexualizing certain body parts. “Our current policy is not equitable enough,” explained Mrs. Nichols. “We want to change it so young girls know that there is nothing naughty or sexual about their midriff.”


Mr. Finstad has disclosed two drafts of what the modified school dress code might look like to the Spartan Spotlight. They are intended to improve the gender bias in our current code.


The layouts of the drafts vary drastically from our current format, both which include many points of discussion for possible changes in the future district dress code. The draft printed on the next page is the most current version. However, it is not a final draft and might change before being finalized. The School Board has final approval.

Students Sound Off:


“I was dress coded by a teacher for obviously not wearing a bra, even though I was fully clothed. I think the dress code we have in place now is good, but make sure you’re applying it exactly the same way to boys and girls and understand that all of our education is equal and worrying about what we wear or what other people wear should not be a factor in our learning.”


“I don’t believe it is fair that boys are allowed to be shirtless during swimming while girls are not allowed to wear bikinis, and I have seen boys wearing crop tops that have not been dress coded.”


“Belly shirts should be banned.”


“Us girls always have to cover up because it “distracts” boys. It’s unfair to us girls, just because men can’t control themselves. We should be able to wear what we want (not short butt shorts, or see through shirts), but it should apply for everyone. Us girls should also be allowed to wear bikinis; boys get to go shirtless.”


“Shoulders and bra straps aren’t sexual. What’s wrong with y’all?”


“I feel like our dress code is fair and shouldn’t be changed. I’ve seen too many people wearing crop tops or see through tops and I don’t think that’s okay during school.”