Two weeks ago, the principal of Bishop Stang High School sent out an email detailing the dress code, including the sweater/fleece policy: "...Only these sweater and fleece options (Lands End), in addition to approved game day attire, may be worn during school hours.  Bishop Stang sweatshirts are not permitted... ...Administrative detentions will be given to students who do not follow this policy." 

The aforementioned fleeces/sweaters range between appx. $30.00 to $60.00 USD. Families are already paying appx. 11.4k for their child to attend this school, not including uniforms, course fees, and other miscellaneous costs. Not only will many families/parents refuse to pay sixty dollars for a barely-functioning fleece, but many have already paid for official Stang-branded outerwear, with some athletes paying hundreds for these products - only to be able to wear them on game days - and thus, only during specific, designated sports seasons - a few mere months - out of the entire academic year.

Those who only have one Stang hoodie and whose parents are not willing to pay for a new sweatshirt do not have the means to stay warm during classes, especially in the upcoming winter months, which - and especially with the windows open for COVID regulations - negatively affects not only our ability to learn but our physical health as well. If a school is prioritizing a type of jacket over their own students' physical health - and punishing them for it - there is a major problem here. 

In summary, we ask that students be allowed to wear previously bought Stang-branded hoodies and athletes their spiritwear provided that they maintain the other specifics of the dress code - a simple hoodie will not inhibit their educational abilities but will help make Bishop Stang a far more comfortable and learning-friendly institution for all those affected.