Rules about clothing are meant to guide students, but they can also make school feel frustrating or unfair.
For some, the rules feel too strict.
“I think the dress code at Chatham High School is way too strict,” Gabriel Gregory, senior, said. “Sometimes it feels like we can’t wear anything without someone telling us it’s inappropriate. I don’t really think the dress code helps at all. It doesn’t stop distractions, it just makes students feel restricted.”
For others, clothing fit is the main issue.
“I don’t like not being able to wear certain clothes just because of the way they fit,” Jason Wright, junior, said. “It’s frustrating when I find something I like but can’t wear it because it’s a little tight or shows too much skin. I think the dress code can help a little. If it keeps people focused on learning instead of clothes, that’s a good thing.”
Many students have experienced being dress coded.
“Yes, I’ve been dress-coded before,” Malik Walker, senior, said. “It was embarrassing, but I understand why the school has rules. Some rules make sense, but others are unnecessary.”
“I’ve been dress-coded a couple of times,” Jacob Ewing, senior, said. “It’s annoying, but I usually just try to follow the rules after that. The dress code is okay, but I don’t think it really changes how students behave in class.”
