Dress Codes

Above: Abi Clark pictured in her first grade Catholic school uniform

In order to limit distractions and keep clothing appropriate for the learning environment, schools often implement dress codes. But when is a dress code considered overbearing and invasive to one’s First Amendment rights? At my K-8 school, a private Catholic school, we were very constricted in what we were allowed to wear and do with our appearance. We had plaid skirts with white blouses, the boys wore navy or khaki pants with white blouses, and even wearing makeup or dying your hair was prohibited. However, though it was annoying at times, however since it was a private school, the constitution did not prohibit such a restricting dress code and uniform. At University of North Carolina School of the Arts though, the student body’s freedom of speech is protected and fully embraced by our “dress code.” The UNCSA dress code states that, “Sunbathing is allowed only on the hill area north of the Hanes Student Commons and beyond the Elephants. Sunbathers must wear appropriate bathing suits.” In other words, you have to wear more than a bathing suit at all times unless sunbathing on “the hill.” Also, we are required to wear shoes in the academic building and in the commons. There are no regulations prohibiting avocation of certain religious or political beliefs. Especially with being at an arts school, they are understanding of our needs. For instance, at the library there is a sign that reads:

Shirt and shoes must be worn.

Or equivalent: such as a leotard.

Only at an arts school would they account for the dancers running from ballet to English class!