Jackson-Reed’s dress code is very relaxed; the mere fact that we are writing about said dress code elicited many “we have one?” remarks from our friends. But the leniency of the dress code means that as we walk the hallways of JR, the outfits worn by our fellow tigers never fail to impress.
JR’s casual dress code means that students are able to express themselves through their outfits and try out new styles, figuring out what they like during this critical time in their youth. As teens grow into their own person, it is important they express who they truly are, and if that means wearing sweats or a crop top every day, then so be it! Adolescence is the perfect time to experiment and develop your identity, evident in the diverse personal styles we see everyday.
It’s as simple as the idea that student bodies shouldn’t be policed by administration. Many dress codes have hypersexualized the female body, leading to nonsensical regulation against normal articles of clothing such as tank tops and leggings that are seen as “distracting.” This shames girls for their bodies and creates a culture of sexism in classrooms. Similarly, school dress and grooming codes have historically led to discriminatory practices, especially against black students. Some schools have attempted to regulate hairstyles, denying students of their cultural identities. This restriction disproportionately impacts students of color, with some being denied an education for the simple act of refusing to cut their hair.
St. Johns and other private school students are required to wear a uniform, preventing students from expressing themselves through their clothing. Overly strict dress codes restrict students’ self expression. Jackson-Reed is a place where students not only grow academically, but also learn about who they are as a person and conveying that through clothes, hairstyles, accessories and shoes should be their choice! The only time that a dress code should be strictly enforced is when a student’s clothing is portraying offensive messages or hate speech.
The JR dress code is extremely lenient and that’s how it should be. Students’ style allows them to express themselves and is a testament to how diverse our school is. The student body should be able to dress how they like without having to be punished for expressing themselves. •
