School dress codes are becoming more strict nationwide. Adults have always been concerned that students' clothing be modest and not provocative, and as student fashions push the envelope, dress codes become more strict. Safety has become more of an issue in recent years, too. As gangs spread from inner city schools to suburbia and rural areas, school districts banned items that could indicate gang activity. Increased school violence in recent years has caused school districts to look into ways that clothing and accessories might fuel antagonism -- such as banning controversial language or graphics -- and improving safety by introducing clear backpacks and bags. With mounting pressure on schools to improve student performance, administrators strive to remove anything that could distract students from learning, including questionable attire.
As the rules increase, so do the outcries from those who believe dress codes violate students' rights. The debate typically centers on the First Amendment rights of freedom of expression and freedom of religion. For example, some religions require wearing certain head coverings, so banning all head wear could violate this right. Although sometimes courts have ruled in favor of students' rights to wear religious items, such as rosaries, generally the courts side with school districts in their efforts to provide a safe environment that promotes learning.
For years, school dress codes have banned clothing that is low-cut, see-through, midriff-baring, too short or otherwise revealing. As fashions and fads emerge, though, dress codes are updated to outlaw current objectionable items. Drooping pants that revealed males' underwear made the banned list. Banning the wearing of tights as pants, the pajamas-as-daywear craze, tops and dresses with spaghetti straps and shoes that resemble slippers are examples of changing the dress code to reflect fashion changes. A generation ago, men and boys wore hats outdoors but took them off inside as a matter of courtesy. Now that hats and hooded shirts and jackets are fashion statements, however, schools updated their dress codes to ban them as distractions. Ditto for sunglasses.
Lest students think school-sponsored activities give them more freedom of expression, many schools make it clear that the dress code will be enforced at these, too. Students might be able to wear skimpier shirts or droopy pants to a football game simply because the personnel aren't available to enforce the dress code. At school dances, however -- especially the prom -- chaperones are positioned to monitor dresses that go too far. At some schools, strapless dresses might be allowed as long as cleavage doesn't show. Principals and prom sponsors go to great lengths to explain through slide shows and posters what is and isn't allowed. No large cutouts or plunging backs. Nothing shorter than three inches above the knee. Boys' pants must be secured at the waist, canes and top hats should be deposited at coat check, and shirts must stay on all night.