100 signatures reached
To: Millikan Middle School Administrative Team
Changing The Millikan Middle School Dress Code
I want Millikan Middle School's Administrative Team to change and update the Millikan Middle School's dress code.
Why is this important?
It is important to change the Millikan Middle School dress code rules because they discriminate against multiple groups and restrict self-expression.
I understand that the Millikan Middle School dress code is “...designed to ensure a secure social environment for our students, faculty, and staff.” I support this idea and agree as everyone is entitled to a safe learning environment. However, some of the rules do not align or support this statement. Additionally, these rules were written in 2014, which is over 6 years ago. Since then, fashion, society, and gender norms have changed and the rules should reflect that. In addition, the grammar is incorrect and should be fixed because I think that,” Students who do no comply with the dress code...” should at least have a set of rules that make sense.
Link to the current dress code of Millikan Middle here: https://1.cdn.edl.io/01dGnO8T3ruItQ9nj1PLBC45RfYzH2MgijHqxCLvnLZh2KNh.pdf
Below are the rules that are problematic, and my suggested changes;
“1. No Shirts or tops that expose cleavage.“
This rule is discriminatory towards girls, especially those with more mature bodies. The rule penalizes those with more mature and developed bodies. It is discriminatory and unfair that one student can not wear a shirt that another can based on their body type. This rule should be eliminated.
“5. No sagging pants or shorts.”
I understand that this rule could be for the safety of students, but I think it would be good to write an explanation as to why you put this in the dress code. It should be explained and clarified what “sagging” means.
“6. No backless, halter, tube, spaghetti-strapped and/or short tops or shirts that expose the midriff.”
This rule has nothing to do with the safety or education of students. It is limiting options for students, and ways they express themselves. I believe that this rule should be adjusted so that when wearing tops of any kind, you must be able to perform day-to-day activities without risk of exposure of the chest.
“7. No shorts or skirts that are more than one inch above the knees.”
This rule is not only extreme, but it does not accommodate for different body types. Everyone’s body is built in differing proportions. An “inappropriate” mini-skirt for one is acceptable on another. A better way to apply this rule would be to address its main concern: covering one’s private parts. I suggest the rule be: skirts must extend at least 2 inches below the private parts and allow for coverage in daily activities. This rule should be expanded and adjusted.
“8. Now low rise jean or ripped/torn jeans.”
Why do we have to wear these now<<< Just kidding, pretty sure you guys meant “no.” I also think you meant “jeans.” I think that as a school, you want to show students the proper grammar in everything you write.
I think that this rule is silly, and low rise or ripped/ torn jeans should be allowed. These styles are popular and kids should be able to wear what they want to wear to express themselves. I can see the concern of safety and I think that the rips and tears should not be excessive. I think that this rule should be adjusted so that, like rule 7, it covers the necessary body parts and the rips/tears are 4 inches wide or less for safety reasons.
“9. No excessive makeup, extreme hair color and or/hairstyles.”
This rule makes those who like to wear makeup and color their hair unable to do so. It has nothing to do with education and safety of students. Furthermore, the rule does not align with current norms. It is a common and accepted practice to wear makeup and have dyed and colorful hair across all ages and genders. I believe this rule is outdated and should be eliminated.
“12. No sheer, revealing or see-through clothing.”
I understand why this rule is here, but I believe that if a student wears something underneath or over this type of clothing, it would be appropriate. I suggest that you change the rule from “No sheer, revealing or see through clothing” to “When wearing see through or sheer clothing, you must cover private parts with another piece of clothing, either under or over the sheer garment.”
“15. No tank tops shirts for boys.”
This rule discriminates against boys. This rule does not appear to serve any safety purpose and there is no equivalent rule for girls in the dress code. Even if there are more rules regulating what girls wear, this does not make this rule any better. This rule should be removed.
“16. Leggings/ jeggins/ stockings are not appropriate even when work in combination with short skirts or short shorts.”
This rule is very suffocating and I do not think it makes sense. Outside of the grammar issues, I think wearing leggings/ jeggings/ stockings in combination with skirts and shorts is a style and I think people should be able to wear what they like. This rule has nothing to do with the safety or education of students. I propose that this rule be eliminated.
I think that the dress code limits students and their ability to express themselves. The way someone dresses is a way they can show their confidence, what their interests are. This allows you to bond with others when you share the same tastes. Especially in the age group in which Millikan Middle school students are a part of, I think it is important to not limit ways students can express themselves. I understand that there are rules in place for safety of students, but the current dress code is much too suffocating and extreme.
I understand that the Millikan Middle School dress code is “...designed to ensure a secure social environment for our students, faculty, and staff.” I support this idea and agree as everyone is entitled to a safe learning environment. However, some of the rules do not align or support this statement. Additionally, these rules were written in 2014, which is over 6 years ago. Since then, fashion, society, and gender norms have changed and the rules should reflect that. In addition, the grammar is incorrect and should be fixed because I think that,” Students who do no comply with the dress code...” should at least have a set of rules that make sense.
Link to the current dress code of Millikan Middle here: https://1.cdn.edl.io/01dGnO8T3ruItQ9nj1PLBC45RfYzH2MgijHqxCLvnLZh2KNh.pdf
Below are the rules that are problematic, and my suggested changes;
“1. No Shirts or tops that expose cleavage.“
This rule is discriminatory towards girls, especially those with more mature bodies. The rule penalizes those with more mature and developed bodies. It is discriminatory and unfair that one student can not wear a shirt that another can based on their body type. This rule should be eliminated.
“5. No sagging pants or shorts.”
I understand that this rule could be for the safety of students, but I think it would be good to write an explanation as to why you put this in the dress code. It should be explained and clarified what “sagging” means.
“6. No backless, halter, tube, spaghetti-strapped and/or short tops or shirts that expose the midriff.”
This rule has nothing to do with the safety or education of students. It is limiting options for students, and ways they express themselves. I believe that this rule should be adjusted so that when wearing tops of any kind, you must be able to perform day-to-day activities without risk of exposure of the chest.
“7. No shorts or skirts that are more than one inch above the knees.”
This rule is not only extreme, but it does not accommodate for different body types. Everyone’s body is built in differing proportions. An “inappropriate” mini-skirt for one is acceptable on another. A better way to apply this rule would be to address its main concern: covering one’s private parts. I suggest the rule be: skirts must extend at least 2 inches below the private parts and allow for coverage in daily activities. This rule should be expanded and adjusted.
“8. Now low rise jean or ripped/torn jeans.”
Why do we have to wear these now<<< Just kidding, pretty sure you guys meant “no.” I also think you meant “jeans.” I think that as a school, you want to show students the proper grammar in everything you write.
I think that this rule is silly, and low rise or ripped/ torn jeans should be allowed. These styles are popular and kids should be able to wear what they want to wear to express themselves. I can see the concern of safety and I think that the rips and tears should not be excessive. I think that this rule should be adjusted so that, like rule 7, it covers the necessary body parts and the rips/tears are 4 inches wide or less for safety reasons.
“9. No excessive makeup, extreme hair color and or/hairstyles.”
This rule makes those who like to wear makeup and color their hair unable to do so. It has nothing to do with education and safety of students. Furthermore, the rule does not align with current norms. It is a common and accepted practice to wear makeup and have dyed and colorful hair across all ages and genders. I believe this rule is outdated and should be eliminated.
“12. No sheer, revealing or see-through clothing.”
I understand why this rule is here, but I believe that if a student wears something underneath or over this type of clothing, it would be appropriate. I suggest that you change the rule from “No sheer, revealing or see through clothing” to “When wearing see through or sheer clothing, you must cover private parts with another piece of clothing, either under or over the sheer garment.”
“15. No tank tops shirts for boys.”
This rule discriminates against boys. This rule does not appear to serve any safety purpose and there is no equivalent rule for girls in the dress code. Even if there are more rules regulating what girls wear, this does not make this rule any better. This rule should be removed.
“16. Leggings/ jeggins/ stockings are not appropriate even when work in combination with short skirts or short shorts.”
This rule is very suffocating and I do not think it makes sense. Outside of the grammar issues, I think wearing leggings/ jeggings/ stockings in combination with skirts and shorts is a style and I think people should be able to wear what they like. This rule has nothing to do with the safety or education of students. I propose that this rule be eliminated.
I think that the dress code limits students and their ability to express themselves. The way someone dresses is a way they can show their confidence, what their interests are. This allows you to bond with others when you share the same tastes. Especially in the age group in which Millikan Middle school students are a part of, I think it is important to not limit ways students can express themselves. I understand that there are rules in place for safety of students, but the current dress code is much too suffocating and extreme.