Presenter Information
Olivia Solomon, Duquesne University School of Education
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the underlying issues behind inflexible and outdated public school dress code policies in the United States and provide some insight into how schools can improve them. Dress codes in public school districts began to rise in popularity in the 1920’s, and their rules and procedures haven’t changed much in accordance with current times. This project takes a critical eye toward dress codes; among other challenges, dress codes are usually disproportionately enforced on marginalized gender, ethnic, racial, and religious groups. A survey conducted among Duquesne students falls in line with professional research, and this study also discusses the more inclusive dress code policy at Evanston Township High School as a potential model for revising outdated dress codes.
School
School of Education
Advisor
Dr. Patricia Sheahan
Submission Type
Paper
Publication Date
April 2021
The Issues of Biased School Dress Codes
The purpose of this research was to examine the underlying issues behind inflexible and outdated public school dress code policies in the United States and provide some insight into how schools can improve them. Dress codes in public school districts began to rise in popularity in the 1920’s, and their rules and procedures haven’t changed much in accordance with current times. This project takes a critical eye toward dress codes; among other challenges, dress codes are usually disproportionately enforced on marginalized gender, ethnic, racial, and religious groups. A survey conducted among Duquesne students falls in line with professional research, and this study also discusses the more inclusive dress code policy at Evanston Township High School as a potential model for revising outdated dress codes.