I am a student of a high school in Texas where the dress code policy was somewhat strict. Wearing a hat or hoodie was not allowed, and if we did, these items were confiscated or we were given warnings. The policy was treating us like we were immature.The staff was allowed to send you to detention for showing too much skin. Your parents have to drop off clothing for you to change into.

I heard from a different school which it also in Texas that the principal and staff were yelling at students for wearing crocs and having electronics.The principal yelled "Do not come to my campus out of dress code. You will be assigned Saturday detention. Don't come to Saturday detention, you will be given a trespass notice."

We should change the dress code because it is a waste of time to get in trouble and sent to detention. Rather than being removed from class for wearing clothing that the staff have to make a big deal about, we should be in class  comfortable with what we're wearing. Like if we are having a bad hair day we can finally wear a hat, or have our hoods up.

Students are getting affected! The ACLU of Texas published a report. It says that students cannot express themselves: 14.3% of discipline of dresscode actions are suspensions (pg 40).It's time for change. We need more flexible dress code policies that respect students' rights while maintaining a respectful learning environment, and we need limits for staff, teachers, and principals to stop jumping to conclusions. They have to transition to better policies.

The staff and teachers should not be stuck in the past with the old dress code, and have to get used to the new dress code. Teachers might need an opportunity to get second chances if they are doing things like yelling at students. But teachers  should have at most 3 chances, and then if they break those 3 chances they will get fired. For some staff we wouldn't feel bad about them losing their job because they wouldn't change. Teachers and staff can still get mad but they need to have limits.

Let's stand together to fight against the dress codes for the right to express ourselves freely without fear of punishment or confiscation of personal belongings. Please sign this petition to encourage school administrators across Texas to reform their strict dress code policies now!