Change the Glenfield Middle School dress code
The Issue
On Friday, September 4th, I witnessed a scene at Glenfield Middle School that made me deeply uncomfortable. Students were not allowed to express themself through clothes and they were being shamed for their “inappropriate choices.”
A disproportionate amount of these offenders were girls. Many students who were dress coded reported waiting in a line of all girls. Especially during early adolescence, girls are developing their styles and deciding what feels right. Dressing in clothes that currently abide to Glenfield Middle School’s dress code is certainly be comfortable for many, but at the same time not every student wants to dress that way. For some students, those clothes could cause insecurity about their changing bodies. Furthermore, many outfits suitable and much more comfortable during an event such as a heatwave have been banned. This led to many students feeling deeply uncomfortable.
School is a place for education, but also expression. Clothes are one of the most simple forms of expression. Taking away a nonverbal, oftentimes simple form of expression and communication can feel suffocating for many students.
In 2015, a similar issue at Montclair High School led to the unrest of many students. Students reported that the dress code was sexist and inappropriate for the modern day. As a result of extensive protesting, the dress code was changed. Back in 2015, one element of the dress code that angered many was the humiliation of students who were being disciplined (CBS). Glenfield’s dress code has certainly recreated that. Students are oftentimes publicly called out in front of peers for their clothing, then asked to go wait to meet with the principal. Upon arrival at the principal’s office, the student has to wait in a long line and, per the Glenfield Student Handbook, any class time missed while waiting to talk to the principal is unexcused.
One study from a school district in Florida suggests 83% of students dress coded are female. Across the nation, dress codes have disproportionately been targeting girls. One specific article of the dress code is that undergarments, such as bras, must not be shown. Many tops have straps that show bra straps, so this is a difficult rule to follow. If your bra is at all visible, you are asked to cover it. This can be humiliating and make girls feel less comfortable in their bodies.
Please, sign this petition to change this unjust dress code.
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The Issue
On Friday, September 4th, I witnessed a scene at Glenfield Middle School that made me deeply uncomfortable. Students were not allowed to express themself through clothes and they were being shamed for their “inappropriate choices.”
A disproportionate amount of these offenders were girls. Many students who were dress coded reported waiting in a line of all girls. Especially during early adolescence, girls are developing their styles and deciding what feels right. Dressing in clothes that currently abide to Glenfield Middle School’s dress code is certainly be comfortable for many, but at the same time not every student wants to dress that way. For some students, those clothes could cause insecurity about their changing bodies. Furthermore, many outfits suitable and much more comfortable during an event such as a heatwave have been banned. This led to many students feeling deeply uncomfortable.
School is a place for education, but also expression. Clothes are one of the most simple forms of expression. Taking away a nonverbal, oftentimes simple form of expression and communication can feel suffocating for many students.
In 2015, a similar issue at Montclair High School led to the unrest of many students. Students reported that the dress code was sexist and inappropriate for the modern day. As a result of extensive protesting, the dress code was changed. Back in 2015, one element of the dress code that angered many was the humiliation of students who were being disciplined (CBS). Glenfield’s dress code has certainly recreated that. Students are oftentimes publicly called out in front of peers for their clothing, then asked to go wait to meet with the principal. Upon arrival at the principal’s office, the student has to wait in a long line and, per the Glenfield Student Handbook, any class time missed while waiting to talk to the principal is unexcused.
One study from a school district in Florida suggests 83% of students dress coded are female. Across the nation, dress codes have disproportionately been targeting girls. One specific article of the dress code is that undergarments, such as bras, must not be shown. Many tops have straps that show bra straps, so this is a difficult rule to follow. If your bra is at all visible, you are asked to cover it. This can be humiliating and make girls feel less comfortable in their bodies.
Please, sign this petition to change this unjust dress code.
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Petition created on September 4, 2026