Wear? Where? What Dress Code?

Students+check+the+bathroom+mirror+before+stepping+out+in+to+the+main+hallways.

Students check the bathroom mirror before stepping out in to the main hallways.

Although the cold weather encourages everyone to cover up, the sunshine is quickly approaching, and with it comes the daily test of how little students can get away with wearing. Why is this even a question? Are there different policies for school and sports attire? Could it be that there is an alternative state of leniency given to the students who participate in Wakefield’s athletic programs?

When interviewed, Athletic Trainer Rebecca Kigin stated, “my first statement about this is does anyone really know what the clothing requirements are?” Formally, dress code policy does not allow exposing of the chest, back, or midriff. It discourages muscle shirts, skirts, or shorts that are shorter than mid-thigh or any head wear, if not worn for religious purposes.

Kigin acknowledges that there is indeed a different clothing standard for school and sports, but it is based on practicality. “Sports have required attire in order to compete.” When asked how it helps athletes, Kigin stated, “I think it’s so their clothes don’t catch. As far as does it help the sport, that is why they are worn.” Although she thinks that the policies are reasonable, she does admit the athletes may [use] uniforms to their advantage, “[All] uniforms are supposed to cover the midriff.” She went on to explain that, “skirts are short so they can perform.”

When asked, volleyball players and cheerleaders were annoyed by this issue. “They should just leave [it] alone,” says volleyball player Anise Dorsey ’16. Alessandra Arat ’16 also expressed her dismay about the discussion over her cheer uniform, “I mean they give us appeal…This is 2014.”

So, why do we even have a dress code for school? Kigin even knew the answer to this weighty question, “the reason we have a dress code is to prepare you for what you will wear to work; I think the dress code for academics is different than the standard sport uniform.”

During the school day, students are here for academic success. For sports, the goal is physical success. All in all, the dress code policy remains an open topic. Share your thoughts below.