The Rock Hill School District 3 (RHSD3) has imposed strict dress code regulations on how high school students express themselves and their individuality. These regulations are carried out through administration and faculty at all three high schools. 

The link below is the student handbook at Rock Hill High School, one of the schools adhering to RHSD3’s dress code regulations. Using the guide toward the bottom of the screen, you can scroll to view the dress code policy if you wish. 

https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/2491

In accordance with the handbook, no sagging is allowed, skirts and shorts cannot be 4 inches above the knee, holes in pants cannot be 4 inches above the knee, shirts, blouses, or dresses must have sleeves, and tops must extend below the waist. These are only a few regulations that students are forced to uphold. 

Students are often told to change for being "distracting". No student should be held accountable for the actions of another student. For example, a woman wearing a crop top should not be forced to limit her wardrobe because a male, who cannot control himself, could view her in an inappropriate manner. Students should not be hypersexualized for expressing themselves. This applies to any instance and students with any gender identity. College students are allowed to express themselves as they wish. The only difference between high school and college is that high school students have a guardian. Thus, if there is an issue with an outfit of a high school student, their guardian should address it. It is not the job of the administration nor RHSD3, who have limited insight into a student’s life, to impose this dress code. 

Moreover, different body types are discriminated against throughout high schools. Just because different body types look different in various outfits does not mean one body type should be more sexualized than another. 

However, this is much more severe than students skin showing. Teachers are allowed to tell students to not wear a hat or not. Combs cannot be worn in students’ hair. These regulations even include that “Students’ hair, including facial hair, must be neat, clean and well-groomed”. This is simply ridiculous. 

In many instances, students are even ridiculed for their outfits. For example, one student was told to “save it for Saturday”, referring to her wearing a crop-top. This implies that the student would be doing something negative on the weekend, simply because of her crop-top. This made the student feel uncomfortable and objectified in an environment meant to educate her. There are several instances that are similar in the way students are oppressed through this dress code policy. To many students, dress code feels like more of a priority than the well-being and education of students. Students are uncomfortable that members of administration are interpreting them through a sexual lens, assuming their intentions when wearing certain outfits. Not only is this absurd in the way that students are addressed, but it suggests that the RHSD3 dress code policy has prompted faculty and staff to have a negative association with certain outfits. This contributes to the societal issue of judgment based on individuality and expression. This must be ended. 

Being a high school student is already difficult enough. Students are forced to acclimate to the social scene of a new environment while taking demanding classes. During all of this, students are trying to figure out their personal interests and personality. RHSD3 should not limit this progression in one discovering themselves. Some students may not even have a large enough wardrobe to adhere to the guidelines and standards imposed. RHSD3 should not force students to go out of their means to cover up a thigh or a shoulder. RHSD3 should strive to create an inclusive atmosphere, catering to people of all backgrounds, identities, and interests. 

Propositions: 

1) We the students ask for a more lenient dress code that allows students to express their individuality and show more of their skin, simply because there is no true harm to it. The 4 inches above the knee limit should be increased to allow for the wearing of athletic shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. Sleeveless shirts and dresses should be allowed. In addition, crop tops, spaghetti straps, tight-fitting clothing, leggings, hats, various facial hairstyles should be allowed. 

2) We ask that no RHSD3 faculty and staff comment on any student’s outfit and form of expression in a derogatory or negative way. There should be consequences if doing so. 

3) We would like there to be student representation at an upcoming board meeting, so we can express our concerns and work for a solution in regard to the issue.  

This oppression of students and their individuality is a systemic issue that must be resolved. The RHSD3 should strive to enhance their awareness of this issue and attempt to inflict change that will prompt long-lasting benefits to our students and society.