The MISD dress code, found in the student handbook, is at the center of multiple student protests this year. Although the dress code changes, some of the students feel that it’s not changing fast enough to keep up with the changing styles or is based on sexist ideas.
Leggings
Leggings have arguably been the most hated dress code rule for years. The Student Handbook states that leggings can only be worn if your shirt reaches below the fingertips, but students argue the rule is unfair. Not many people own tops that reach that far down the leg, and everyone’s arms are different lengths. Shirts or jackets should only have to cover your bottom.
Hats/Hoodies
Boys strongly oppose the rule against wearing hats or hoods in the building. It’s rare to get through a school day without hearing a teacher or administrator tell a student to take their hat or hood off. The rule is there so that students can be easily identified in the building, but the argument claims wearing a baseball cap doesn’t do much to hide a person’s face.
Ripped Jeans
Ripped jeans have been the style for a while now, and the dress code does allow them. But similarly to the leggings and shorts rule, all rips have to be below the student’s fingertips. This poses a problem because students own jeans with rips/tears up and down the leg. So it’s also not hard to find people risking the dress code violation and wearing them anyway.
Crop Tops
The majority of girls’ wardrobes include crop tops. However, no part of the midriff is allowed to show at school, even under a jacket. The administration has said that it’s too easy to just take off your jacket when you get to a different place. But the rule is unfair to girls that keep their jackets on during the day.
Shorts
August in Texas can be brutal, and students want to continue wearing shorts in the heat. But the universal rule that we’ve seen with rips and leggings is the same here: below your fingertips.
It’s understandable for the staff to not want overly short shorts, but it can be argued that your shorts can be above your fingertips without being inappropriate.
