Dress Code Dilemma

Dress codes have always been a topic of discussion in schools, and our middle school is no exception. Students and teachers report a range of opinions on the dress code at DJDS. 

This also brings up the topic of modesty, whether clothing interferes with learning, and whether they would make any changes to the existing dress code. 

Noah Kutnick, an 8th-grade student at DJDS, does not believe he is significantly impacted by the dress code. “I think if someone is distracted by clothing the person who is being distracted should be removed, not the person who is wearing the clothes,” Kutnick said. 

Eden Bichachi, a 10th-grade student, believes that students should be allowed to wear weather-appropriate clothing and that rules should apply to both boys and girls.  

“I think it’s sexist because most of the rules apply only to girls,” Bichachi said. “I also think that if whatever needs to be covered is covered, then you are fine.”

Another 10th grader, Sarah Fishman, has a straightforward view of the dress code and believes that it is preferable to a school uniform. She cites her experience from the Denver Academy of Torah. According to the DAT handbook, girls are required to wear skirts at ankle length and tops at elbow length as well as restrictions on hairstyles and jewelry.  

“I don’t care what other people wear,” Fishman said. “It doesn’t bother me if someone wears something I wouldn't wear.”

Sadie Kimmel, a 7th grader, believes the dress code is unfair, particularly regarding the length of shorts and the ban on showing shoulders. She did not see clothing as a significant distraction to learning and recommended allowing shorter shorts and the freedom to show shoulders within the dress code.

“I feel like it’s unfair because we have to wear shorts that are at least three inches above the knee; I think that it’s annoying,” Kimmel said. “It gets really hot in the summer and we are not allowed to show our shoulders. Also, Sometimes long sleeves are hard to pair with certain clothes.”

Max Hill, a 6th-grade student, finds the dress code somewhat difficult to navigate. He believes that it is more strict for girls, especially when it comes to tank tops. He also acknowledges the need for a dress code but believes the rules need some improvement.

“Definitely, the boys wear jerseys and everyone thinks it’s fine but when girls wear tank tops they get in trouble,” Hill said. “They don’t have to change to fit the dress code standards. I honestly don't care because what people wear you see once and then don’t see again.”

Mara Demian, an 8th grader shared the following: “I think it can be annoying but I don't think it’s that enforced. Once in a while, it’s enforced and you’re like ‘I shouldn't have worn these shorts.’ I also think it’s hard to find shorts that fit the dress code.”

As a staff member, Ms. Schweid emphasizes the importance of having a dress code in a school, especially one with a Jewish focus. She agrees that the dress code seems more strict on girls, particularly with the short-length rule. Ms. Schweid suggests that dress code rules should vary based on the context, such as school, synagogue, or the beach, and be tailored to those settings.

“A dress code at a school is important. This is a place of learning and especially in a Jewish school,” Schweid said. “If you’re going to synagogue, dress according to that. If you’re going to school, dress according to that.