School Dress Code

School Dress Codes

The following essay will examine what school dress codes are and why many schools are now slowly moving this policy into there schools. School dress codes are set policies enforced by the school or school districts, by making a student wear a certain type of clothing or one basic type such as a uniform. Dress codes in schools began as early as the 50’s and 60’s when schools were on a campaign to curb “juvenile delinquency”. Juvenile delinquency refers to either violent or non-violent crime committed by persons who are under the age of eighteen and are still considered to be a minor. In the 80’s, gang activity was growing in schools, which led officials to reexamine their dress code, and for the first time considered a uniform. In 1987 a Baltimore, Maryland school, Cherry Hill Elementary, became the first public school to have adopted uniforms. Uniforms were later followed by Long Beach Unified School District in 1994 to become the first full district to adopt a uniform dress code policy.

So what are the codes and policies for dressing for school? Although it may differentiate for each school, the basic policy is you show up for school in a professional demeanor, such as pants and dress shirt for boys and skirts or pants and a formal shirt for girls, excluding any clothing or symbols linked to gangs. Uniform policies are simple, since they give you no option of clothing, just one uniform that has been assigned by the school. Examples are same as above but with added accessories such as neckties.

So why are more schools moving toward more dress codes? For a lot of reasons, one being the enhanced school safety, supporters believe if everyone in school dresses alike or dresses similarly, there will be less violence. Another reason is an improved learning climate; some proponents believe dress codes in general and uniforms help