A new dress code (Policy 439) was revised on July 2018 to state that students may not wear head coverings (hats and hoodies). The policy was also revised to have gender neutral language. Many students were surprised with the new dress code, and some had not even heard about it until they stepped foot into school on the first day. This is a county-wide policy, which has left some students feeling as if they’ve lost their sense of style. 

Senior Jamie Lawson said, “My hat is a part of my life. I hate how I’m not allowed to wear it. It is a part of who I am and without it I don’t feel like myself.” 

On the other hand, senior Joseph Armacost said, “ I would prefer we don’t have the policy, but if a teacher tells me to take it [my hat] off I won’t disrespect them.”

Some students are trying to figure out why this dress code is even mandatory. Dress codes are designed to keep the students from getting distracted from their academics and/or to keep students safe, but many students don’t see how hats endanger safety.  

According to Assistant Principal Michelle Gilmore, hoodies and hats can conceal a student’s face, making it more difficult to identify students, especially on camera, if there has been an infraction.  Also, a hat or hoodie in the classroom could hide a student sleeping or being distracted from academics.

A student wearing a hat or hoodie could, though, be unfairly stereotyped as a possible “bad kid.”  Hats are often just a statement of fashion or fan support of a team or group.

Many students have asked if the hat policy will be the same once winter starts or on Halloween or other costume days.

Melannie Andino said, “I think hats will effect me when it’s cold or when Halloween starts because I like to wear hoodies and dress for the occasion.”

Even though there are workplaces that are more relaxed, many businesses require a specific dress code for safety or professionalism.