Skirting around the dress code
By Srihita Madiraju & Mira Reddy Dec. 11, 2024
After staring at the endless arrays of outfit combinations to wear to school the next day, many students are still unable to decide what will provoke confidence and comfort for almost eight hours. However, simultaneously having to adhere to the school’s dress code instantly eliminates options. Without uniforms, choosing an outfit for school can be an overwhelming, time-consuming process for many, especially for students who tend to be conscious of their style. Still, the school’s dress code aims to foster self expression and the freedom of choice.
The SJUSD parent-student handbook lists all of the standard rules and procedures for apparel that students must account for. It emphasizes that nobody on campus can portray hateful messages in their clothing, intending to preserve appropriate etiquette and safety.
Any image or language that refers to alcohol, nudity, drugs, profanity, violence, and criminal behavior is highly prohibited. Also, clothing that depicts racism, homophobia, or other forms of hate speech to degrade other students is considered bullying and will result in larger consequences. Sports Jerseys are banned on campus because the district found that they may be perceived as entitled opinions and foster violence or bickering between students. Additionally, tThe San Jose Police Department deemed that wearing predominantly red and blue clothes correlates to gang association and potential violence, especially when worn from head to toe.
Moreover, in regards to the overall fit of clothing, the code enforces that clothes must cover the body appropriately by concealing undergarments. Attire can vary depending on the classroom—in lab sciences, students must wear closed-toed shoes to participate, but this can be bypassed in other classes. Students taking P.E. are required to change into a school-issued uniform, sparking conflict as many find them inconvenient. However, attending class without wearing them prohibits participation in class as a consequence.
“The uniforms in P.E. were always a waste of time. I found myself rushing to get to my next class shortly after, but if I did not comply with the conduct, I would have to sit out in P.E and lose participation grades,” Sophomore Lasya Madineni said.
Despite generally lenient policies for the school’s dress code, it comes with potential bias. Female students face stricter enforcement of the dress code in comparison to their male counterparts. For example, dress code policies regarding low cut shirts target girls, specifically focusing on covering their chests.
On the contrary, almost all private schools in California, along with some SJUSD public schools, maintain a strict uniform policy in order to prevent distraction from education. Uniforms can prove to be helpful in this case—reducing the stress of choosing an outfit and helping students feel less pressured to conform to the standards of their peers, despite financial differences.
“The school can benefit from not having uniforms, as they prevent students from being able to express themselves properly. I previously attended a school that enforced uniforms, and I started to dislike them when I began to care more about my style. I felt significantly more confident when I wore clothes of my choice that were comfortable and reflected what I liked,” Junior Gabriel John said.
Moreover, the school’s dress code encourages acceptance for cultural expression. For instance, religious customs can be reflected in how a student dresses, such as wearing a hijab to represent the Muslim faith, Cross necklaces reflecting Christianity and more. The dress code encourages students to express themselves the way they desire, which in turn boosts self-esteem and participation in school life.
Overall, the school has been able to maintain a consistent dress code for years on end, and the compliance from students prevents any new concerns from arising. Still, the dress code intends to foster politeness and discipline in a student's daily routine, which can help prepare them for adulthood and entering a variety of work environments.
About the Contributors
Srihita Madiraju
staff writer
Srihita Madiraju is a Junior at Leland High School and a staff writer. She enjoys reading and writing and this is her first year in journalism. She enjoys dancing, going to the beach, and hanging out with her friends.
Mira Reddy
staff writer / photo-media
Mira Reddy is a freshman at Leland High School, a Staff writer, and a Media team member. This is her first year in journalism. She loves to swim, spend time with family and friends, read books, eat food, and watch Netflix.
Catherine Nguyen
artist / staff writer
Catherine Nguyen is a staff writer and artist for the Charger account. This is her second year in journalism. She loves drawing and listening to music.
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