[wzslider autoplay=”true” info=”true”]According to the Fossil Ridge Student Handbook, “Students at FRHS should dress in a way that is not offensive to members of the school community, not disruptive to the educational process, or a threat to the safety and health of others. District approved guidelines at FRHS for student attire is as follows: 1) Clothing must be worn so it covers underwear, as well as the back, midriff, chest, and buttocks. Beach and swimwear are inappropriate at school, as are halter tops, and other revealing tops with spaghetti straps that do not cover the back or chest. 2) Skirts and shorts must be of appropriate length. 3) Half shirts, undershirts, see through or mesh shirts, tub tops/dresses, or any tops without a back will not be allowed.”

 The dress code has been a current and pressing problem at FRHS, according to faculty and parents. On Oct. 3, Principal Dierdre Cook sent an e-mail to parents and staff about the current violations of the dress code. Her e-mail was firm in tone and encouraging to parents to make sure that their child is dressed properly before leaving the house.

 “It is sad that we have to spend time addressing dress code violations,” Dr. Cook said. “It seems clear that we have expectations for students and with parent support-this issue can easily be resolved.”

 While dressing a certain way is a form of expression, when students walk into the FRHS building, this right is restricted to the policy in the handbook. Dr. Cook said, “School is a place of business for our students. Their attire should reflect a commitment to academic excellence. School is not a place to showcase the latest fashion.”

 When a code or expectation is violated, consequences often follow close behind. The consequence for violation of the dress code is found in the student handbook: Students who continue to not follow the policy will be asked to change clothes, go home, or face disciplinary action.

 Students spoke out regarding the dress code and their responses show that violation of this policy is obvious. Senior Jon Hamilton spoke to this issue by saying that, “The dress code is being abused. Girls are too scantly dressed and it is distracting me from my studies.” Another senior, Kaitlin Jensen said, “I think that the dress code is reasonable. Why would people want to violate it? School is a place to learn. Not be distracted.”

 Other FRHS students expressed their opinion about the dress code.

 “There’s a dress code?” senior Travis Binder said. “I think that because of the weather change, dress code is not a big deal anymore. The weather is doing a better job of enforcing it as opposed to the administration.”

 Junior Amber Poindexter said, “I think that the dress code needs to be more heavily enforced. I really don’t like seeing girls half-naked.”

 Some students do in fact support the dress code, but think that parts of it are unreasonable. Junior Leah Jackson said, “I think that the rule that your fingers have to be shorter than your skirt isn’t fair. Some girls are taller, and their arms are longer so their fingers are going to be at the different lengths on their leg as opposed to a shorter girl with shorter arms.”

 While some students support the dress code, others think that it is ridiculous. Senior Sid Campe said, “I am personally not distracted by girls wearing short, tight clothing. I think that the administration is overreacting.”

 While it is okay to express yourself, the administration is asking you to express yourself appropriately at school.