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Dress code
Recently, the girls in a middle school have started wearing thick black headbands to school. As part of our school dress code, bandannas are not allowed to be worn in anyway at school, however, as these were not bandannas, they were permitted. Then, boys started wearing the headbands as well. They would often share with the girls but some of them had their own headbands. Our principal made an announcement on the morning news that boys would no longer be permitted to wear these headbands and even showed an example. He also sent an email to the teachers asking them to enforce this new rule. The majority of the boys complied, but a few are wondering why girls were still allowed to wear the headbands and boys were not, suggesting that it was discrimination. How would you justify this policy to your students?
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Solution 1
Posted March 12, 2015 5:41 pm |
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I would tell the boys that these headbands are purchased in the aisle with female hair accessories. I would tell them that according to school policy, this is something that female students are allowed to wear, but they are not allowed to wear them. If they continue to question the school's decision, relate it to dresses. Female students are allowed to wear skirts and dresses, but male students are not. If the male students still feel strongly about the topic, you might suggest that they write the principal a letter explaining why they want to wear them to school and asking why they cannot wear them. As an educator, I honestly do not see a problem with male students wearing a headband (especially if they have the long hair that is constantly in their eyes), but if it is going to cause classroom disruptions, I would have them respectfully ask for details from the person who put the policy in place. |
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I found your solution to be well thought out and very helpful! |
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Posted on: April 2, 2015 6:54 pm
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I would never tell a boy that he cannot wear something because it is purchased in the girls section. Either gender can wear items from any section of the store. It's personal preference. |
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Posted on: October 22, 2016 3:56 am
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To be honest, I've never heard that male students are not allowed to wear dresses. That sounds like a Title IX violation to me.
Even in 2015 when this post was made, I can't imagine telling students this when LGBTQ+ students are coming out and starting to come to terms with their identity. |
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Posted on: October 9, 2020 3:38 am
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Solution 2
Posted March 14, 2015 4:19 am |
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There are articles of clothing that can be worn by a girl or a boy. For this reason both the girls and boys should be allowed to wear the headbands or not allowed to wear the headbands. In other words, if the males cannot wear the headbands, the females cannot wear the headbands. The rules should be equal and not biased.
The students normally find a loop hole for the dress code. I have witnessed many students adding to and taking away from the dress code daily by the way they dress. There should always be a very detailed description of the proper attire for school. The details would assist in making the rules lucid.
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I agree. Dresscodes should not specify which gender can wear which article of clothing. Simply, "skirts must be no shorter than one inch above knee." or "No headbands thicker than one inch are to be worn at school." Rather than, "Only girls can wear skirts." or "Boys may not wear headbands."
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Posted on: October 22, 2016 4:02 am
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Solution 3
Posted October 1, 2015 11:21 am |
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While I agree that there should be separate dress code procedures for males and females, I must agree with the boys and wonder why there is a problem with the headbands. The concern for me is why these are now being worn. If it is simply a fashion trend, then both boys and girls should be allowed to wear them, but if they are gang related or represent some other unacceptable reason and cause a distraction or problem during the school day, then both sexes should be banned from wearing them. |
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Solution 4
Posted October 7, 2017 1:50 pm |
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Headbands are not only worn for style but to keep hair out of the face. I think that if a guy has long hair that he would be allowed to wear these "headbands" but keep enforcing the rule and have consequences and they will not wear them any longer. |
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Solution 5
Posted March 12, 2015 1:20 pm |
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This policy difference based on gender is similar to the accepted policy toward males wearing earrings. Perhaps the best approach would be to highlight the social acceptance of gender differences. |
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I would never tell a boy that he cannot wear something because it is typically worn by girls. That could emotionally and psychologically disturbing to the child who may be confused or told something different at home. |
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Posted on: October 22, 2016 3:58 am
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Solution 6
Posted October 8, 2018 1:03 am |
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That is a hard one to justify. What if a male student has long hair? Is he required to only use hair ties? I think this policy is unfair, and shouldn't be in place. I don't think I could justify it. I would simply explain that the administration made the decision and you will abide by the rules. I wouldn't take a stance on this one. It seems that this one will likely be over turned if it is challenged at a town hall or something. |
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Solution 7
Posted October 8, 2018 9:05 pm |
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You have to handle the situation the same for the boy as you would the girl. There is not special treatment for this try of situation. |
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Solution 8
Posted July 7, 2019 7:53 pm |
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It would definitely be difficult to rationalize this situation, especially since these articles of clothing are gender-neutral. However, a lot of teachers don't bother justifying the dress code. You could easily be neutral about the situation and inform them that you're required to uphold the dress code, and let their superiors know if they feel strongly about this rule. This would be the best approach for you if you cannot rationalize the dress code, as it does not bring attention to how you feel, without making the students feel that you specifically are forcing them to do this. |
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Solution 9
Posted March 13, 2015 1:28 am |
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This can actually get very controversial. I understand that it is apart of the school dress code, but I would ask why is it apart of the school dress code. I have always understood that certain clothing items can be either distracting or gang related; however, that might not be the case with your school dress code. I think the boys have a good point citing discrimination. I personally think that boys should be able to wear items of clothing that they identify with. I support males wearing typically female clothing but others do not. While this is an extreme example, the murder of Larry King in California (https://www.aclu.org/blog/racial-justice-lgbt-rights/remembering-larry-king), started with him wearing female clothing and other students and teachers were uncomfortable with it. The case is a very interesting one. To go back to your school dress code, I would ask why can't boys wear headbands? |
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