As summer draws near, dress code violations become more frequent, leading to intercom announcements, warnings and possible disciplinary action. Dress codes are always controversial because student opinions on what should be allowed in school vary as much as adult opinions. 

The school district changed its dress code during the 21-22 school year to make it gender-neutral and less restrictive than the previous dress code. However, complaints remain. 

Tenth grader Kyreine Godden said, “It’s a free country, and we should be able to dress how we want.” 

While school dress codes may be unpopular, they are legal. Title 22, Chapter 12, Section 11 of the Pennsylvania Code says that governing bodies of schools may institute dress codes or school uniforms. It limits schools’ rights to enforce hair or facial hair styles unless the offending cut or style poses a disruption or a health or safety hazard. 

According to the student handbook, students are expected to dress in clothes suitable for school and school-related activities. Students’ tops must cover shoulder to shoulder and must be long enough that they can be tucked in at the waist if requested. Undergarments cannot be shown.   

Prohibited items include halter tops or tops that expose the midriff, bottoms that end above mid-thigh, hats, bandanas, slippers, pajamas, chains, sunglasses and capes. Students can wear hoodies, but can’t wear the hood up.  

Students must wear shoes at all times. Students can’t wear clothing or accessories, such as patches or jewelry, that contain obscene, lewd, vulgar or profane content.  Clothing and accessories can’t advocate or advertise illegal, dangerous, unhealthy, or unsafe substances, property, or activities, such as drugs or alcohol.  

Clothing and accessories also can’t degrade people based on race, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or ethnicity, and they can’t incite violence or encourage breaking any laws or rules. Political speech is allowed if it doesn’t violate the other rules, cause a disruption, is used to bully, or violates anyone else’s rights or safety.  

The school dress code can be found in the student handbook, which is available on the district’s website.