The Salem-Keizer School District decided to change the dress code this year after many years of it remaining the same. It now gives students more freedom to express themselves and wear what they want.
Many people did not agree with the old dress code.
“I think it was too conservative and very subjective,” Katie Zimmerman ‘21 said, “Students shouldn’t have to prevent themselves from expression when we are already being pushed down by all of the other hardships of being a teenager… Now everyone is just wearing what they want to wear.”
The old dress code caused a lot of room for teachers to single students out and make unfair case by case judgment.
“I was pretty upset with the old dress code for various reasons,” Anya Akimoff ‘21 said, “One being the fact that it seemed to, pretty clearly, focus on women rather than men. It’s pretty annoying to constantly be stressing about how a new skirt, you were super excited about wearing, will be perceived by teachers.”
People were worried about getting in trouble for what they were wearing to school.
“No kid should ever be worried about how their clothes will affect their school day. No matter what you wear you should always be able to feel comfortable with yourself… I think it is important we have a new dress code. I want kids coming to South to understand this is a place where there isn’t any judgment. They should feel like they can express themselves in whatever way they please, and they should feel like the teachers are on their side, not working against them because of what they’re wearing.” Akimoff said.
Students already seem to be happier with the new dress code.
“I certainly have noticed a big difference this year! I’ve seen kids wearing shirts that show their shoulders, I know, big shocker! This has honestly, in my opinion, made South a brighter place. I haven’t heard anyone this year complain about how they felt singled out because of their clothes. Honestly, I’ve only heard kids exclaiming how happy they are that South made this decision. And frankly, I applaud South for their actions toward this problem, here’s to making our school the best it can be!” Akimoff said.
