Issues Debates

Some students say that wearing what they want helps them perform better academically. They say they worry less about how they look and can focus more on their class work. (Bertotto, 2005).

The American Civil Liberties Union had filed many lawsuits on behalf of numerous parents and students that claim that many school dress codes are unfair and violate the right of freedom of expression. (Bertotto, 2005).

In some districts, the matter has gone to court and it has been stated that the dress code is “taking away a child’s right to wear clothing of their [generation’s] age” and that it also suppresses their individuality. (Hurst, 2005).

Parents have also argued that a dress code may interfere with their right to direct the upbringing of their child. (Hurst, 2005).

Lawyer Robert E. Blau states, “Clothing is an expression in and of itself. When everyone looks the same they start acting the same, and you lose your sense of individuality” (Hurst, 2005).

Some school dress codes discriminate unfairly against religious clothing (Anonymous, 2004).

The Justice Department agrees that some schools discriminate unfairly and want them to change their policies (Anonymous, 2004).

Assistant Attorney General R. Alexander Acosta states, “No student should be forced to choose between following her faith and enjoying the benefits of a public education.” (Anonymous, 2004).

The U.S. Supreme Court decided in the case of Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District in 1969, that students have the right of self expression through appearance and attire. (Julka, 2004).

Not everyone who wears baggy pants, backwards hats, and accessories such as bandanas are gang members. (American Civil Liberties Union)

Assistant Principal of Cox Elementary Laura Whitfield states that “Even though dress code should be enforced at a certain point, some students who come to school in clothing such as oversized clothes, pants with holes, and flip flops (clothing that is against school dress code in some areas) may do so because those may be the only clothing items they have to wear. The oversized clothes may be from an older sibling, the pants may be worn out because they’re the only ones they have, and those flip flops may be the only pair of shoes that they own.”