The Shoemaker Bugle

By Leslie Cardenas

While the dress code is made to encourage a positive learning environment, it frequently is used inconsistently and targets girls more than guys.

“I believe that the dress code system is a double standard; guys are allowed to wear and show certain things and certain parts. But when girls are showing or wearing something it’s seen as inappropriate or distracting,” said Daniel Flores.

The sexualization of young women’s bodies is a great issue when it comes to the dress code. Crop tops, tank tops, shorts, and skirts are all seen as “distracting” or “immodest” whenever a young woman is seen wearing them. Meanwhile, if a young man is seen wearing any of these it is not seen as such. Many students believe that this clothing that is socially seen as “immodest” isn’t really immodest. 

A few weeks back, California went through a massive heat wave. This heat wave hit temperatures as high as 100 degrees. Many people could be seen around campus wearing tank tops and shorts. But because of the dress code, girls were more cautious when wearing said tank tops. “The fact that this heat wave was super bad and they were still kind of being strict about it.” said Adriana Zaragoza. Girls brought cover-ups just in case a staff member told them to cover up. While the girls had to be cautious, the guys did not need to do a double-take when it came to getting dress-coded.

The dress code is also often used inconsistently. According to the handbook, many trends around campus, like sagging and pajamas, are not allowed. Yet, you rarely see people getting dress-coded for these kinds of things. “I feel like it’s starting to become an eyesore of seeing dudes with shorts hanging down and at some point, you’re hoping they have something underneath,” said Jimmy Jimenez.

The school has offered some solutions to the dress code. During the 2019-2020 school year, slides and open-toed shoes were taken off the dress code and were allowed to be worn to school. The school is taking proposals to change the dress code once again. This year, the school should allow any type of tank tops like cami tops and spaghetti straps to be worn.