Is Your Dress Code Sexist?

It’s easy to make petty complaints about Neuwirth’s dress code, but for many female students, the issue is no joke.

As the 8:25 bell rings, students rush through the front gate, trying to get into class before getting marked tardy. The hallways are packed, you’re getting bumped into every 3 seconds, and then suddenly, _____ stops you. “The reason I stopped you is because the clothes that you are wearing are inappropriate.”

Uniform policies at Neuwirth have seemed to stay the same ever since they were established. Black or Khaki pants with the designated polo for each grade. According to some staff members, in previous years Neuwirth enforced the dress code policy more strictly, and restrictions have become more relaxed, but is this loosening of expectations true for all students?

If schools in general would like to have an effective school dress code they must include girls, boys, LGBTQ students, those who consider themselves as gender fluid and students of all races.

The Neuwirth student handbook is very clear on the requirement of what one can and cannot wear. The student handbook specifically says that “No attire may be worn that may be a distraction. Distraction attire includes but is not limited to accessories such as extra clothing pieces, and excessive and/or large pieces of jewelry.” 

Is it really the clothes that's a distraction, or are administrators the ones creating this idea that a piece of clothing can create a distraction among others?

It is clear that staff don't see that they are being sexist towards those who identify as females. The school dress code restrictions are getting out of hand, they make it mandatory that we wear uniforms and that we wear them to prevent any problems from occurring. In an article talking about how uniforms are detrimental the point is made that “requiring school uniforms is simply not an equitable starting point, and despite students’ efforts to make creative (yet conforming) alterations, the outcome is never optimal. Rather than unite students, uniforms detract from community building at schools by increasing comparisons and emphasizing differences.” Although it is true that uniforms can prevent some problems from occurring, such as preventing violence and resisting peer pressure, wearing a uniform won't solve everything, and in fact, create more problems as they create an environment where students are forced to compare themselves to their peers and how they look in the standard polo and pants uniform. How does this make those who don’t fit the standard beauty ideals feel when they see themselves looking very different in their polo than their classmates?

Neuwirth tries to be respectful and considerate in addressing dress code violations; however, the school consistently approaches the situation in a way that makes girls feel uncomfortable and targeted. Speaking on such topic about girls feeling uncomfortable, Principal Dagnino sees it from a different perspective and explains that, “ It is important to note that the dress code is intended to support everyone equally, but there may very well be inconsistencies in upholding the dress code policy since its managed by people, and humans are bound to make mistakes.”

When talking to several girls in the school they share the same feelings. One student in particular brought to our attention her own experience at this school where “I once had the option to dress however I wanted because of free dress, and I showed up with a black top that met the dress code requirements. I’ve had several interactions with school staff that have left me feeling like my attire is always at question. It’s always “it’s distracting” or “you’re showing too much”, so why perpetuate this stigma when others should change their perspectives and stop sexualizing us girls for what we choose to wear?”

It seems the school is very focused on creating a consistent and equal environment,  and isn't afraid to shame girls to achieve the ideal. This is seen when girls are told that their shirts, pants or any piece of clothing are too small or too big and are not showing anything that may seem “distracting.” Female students are being sent home and missing valuable class time simply because they chose to wear a pair of black leggings that day. Meanwhile, boys can walk around with shirts that show their shoulders on the basketball courts during PE, but girls can't do the same. Dress code expectations should be enforced equally for everyone, not just one specific person or gender.  

Females do not feel comfortable at school because they feel like they will get targeted because of what they feel most comfortable in. The dress code tied to those who identify as female is just another way in which they are getting judged by everyone and by a double standard that punishes girls. A child and teen development expert, Robyn Silverman, stated that, “students, especially girls, tend to compare how each other looks in their uniforms….As a body image expert, I hear from students all the time that they feel it allows for a lot of comparison… So if you have a body that’s plus-size, a curvier body, a very tall body, a very short body, those girls often feel that they don’t look their best.”

Neuwirth needs to think about the messages that it is sending to students about double standards and body positivity. If girls are constantly feeling like they are being targeted and prevented from being comfortable in their own clothing, then maybe the dress code  is sexist. 

Editor’s Note: Principal Dagnino responded to our request for a comment with a very thoughtful and thorough email. We really appreciated her points and perspective and wanted to print her full response. Please read it below:

As the Principal of our school, my role is to enforce the rules and uphold the expectations we hold for scholars, staff, and our school community to make good on our commitment to the students, parents, and families we serve. Contrary to popular belief, I do not create policies in silos. I work in collaboration with all educational partners to get their input on matters that directly impact our scholars' well-being, safety, and achievement. I have my personal opinions about policies and practices, but an effective leader must take into account all points of view and then weigh the risks and benefits of each to make the best decision for our young people. While some may view the uniform policy as restrictive, it is actually in place for scholars' benefit. 

One of the main reasons we have implemented a dress code is to promote a safe and respectful learning environment. The dress code helps to eliminate distractions caused by inappropriate clothing, and it also helps to prevent bullying and other negative behaviors associated with clothing choices. Additionally, the dress code policy helps to develop the discipline needed to dress for success in the future. Whether it be for a job interview, college interview or simply dressing professionally in the workplace, the skills learned by adhering to our dress code policy will be valuable throughout your life. However, I do acknowledge that enforcing the dress code policy can be challenging at times. 

It is important to note that the dress code is intended to support everyone equally, but there may very well be inconsistencies in upholding the dress code policy since it's managed by people, and humans are bound to make mistakes. For instance, we might overlook one infraction and then correct the same issue with another scholar. This can lead to the perception that the policy targets certain people over others, even if the dress code is fair. As the school leader, I want to ensure that our dress code policy is implemented in a fair and consistent manner. I encourage all students to adhere to the dress code policy and to understand its importance in creating a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone. I also welcome all to provide input and share solutions to concerns that may arise. I invite you all to our School Site Advisory Council Meetings to share your thoughts and to help shape policies now and into the future. 

Thank you.