The Right to Bare Arms

The administration of SwampscottHigh School is enforcing many new policies for the 2013-2014 school year. Of the policies enforced, one of the most refuted by students is the dress code.

As the school year started, rumors of students being sent down to the office for being in violation of the dress code began as well. Students have found that this year, as opposed to previous years, teachers are cracking down on the dress code policy. During the first few weeks of school Assistant Principal Lytania Mackey shared the administration’s seriousness regarding the dress code through an announcement on the intercom. The announcement expressed that students will be sent down to the office for any dress code violation.

Swampscott High teacher Mr. Joe Bennett, who has sent students down to the office in the past, believes that students will follow the rules regarding the dress code this year.

When asked if he believed the dress code was fair, Bennett expressed opinions that students should not be dressing inappropriately in the first place. He stated, “Yes, high school is a four year internship, if it was a formal internship for college or senior project, you would not dress that way.”

History teacher Ms. Susan Haggerty, who features the line “A gentleman NEVER wears a hat indoors or in my class!  Ever.” on her teacher website, feels that the dress code is fair. Haggerty says, “I used to teach in Catholic school, we had a way stricter dress code there.” She believes that it is the nature of a teenager to push boundaries and that they will repeatedly break the dress code. When faced with a student in violation, Haggerty typically asks the student first if they have something to cover up with. If they do not, she sends them down to see Ms. Mackey.

Rumors of students being sent down to the office as of now have only involved girls. When asked if the dress code was slightly directed more towards girls than boys, Bennett stated, “Yes, boys typically do not have clothing that is very revealing, but they do push the envelop with inappropriate shirts promoting alcohol or drug use.” It seems as though there are parts of the dress code that are directed at both genders.

During an interview with juniors Ryan Cresta and Wylle Young, the two suggested that students will not follow the dress code. Wylle Young believes, “No, everyone takes advantage.”

A strong opinion felt by many students is that the dress code is not entirely fair. Ryan Cresta, when asked if the dress code was fair, said, “Not towards girls because a lot of girls just wear leggings everyday and don’t have jeans.” As opinions that the dress code is directed towards girls increased, it seemed important to find a female student’s opinion.

Junior Emma Kane was recently sent down to the office for being in violation of the dress code. Emma was told by the nurse that her shorts were not long enough, and that she needed to change.  Emma believes the dress code to be unfair. When asked, she stated, “Kids should be able to put whatever they want on their bodies, they are our own responsibility.”

As the school year progresses, it will be interesting to see not only if the dress code is enforced, but if students will follow the code.