This petition is based on letters to the school board that students in an AP Language class at Nansemond River High School have compiled. We would love to send this petition in addition to those letters to show support for their claim. They found an issue about which they are quite passionate, and deserve to be heard.

 In order to ensure a free and open education for all, the dress code needs to be amended and revised to reflect the values, attitudes, and concerns of the time. While having a dress code is essential to maintaining an appropriate and professional learning environment, there are several rules listed within our handbook that claim to ensure equity, but in fact accomplish the exact opposite. Many of the rules outlined target female students and students of color specifically, and it is time we reevaluate the purpose behind these rules rather than just saying "it's the way we have always done it." While many of the rules serve a purpose and should be maintained, here a few with which we have found contention:

1. "Shirts and blouses must include at least 3" width on shoulders, garments (which includes skirts, dresses, and shorts) must not reveal any exposed skin 2" above the knee."

      Shoulders should not be considered a distraction, and in buildings which are not very well regulated with heat and air, sleeveless tops should the least of our worries. Additionally, many body types make the 2" rule difficult to adhere to. This could be amended to say "mid thigh" to ensure everyone has equal access to clothing that fits within the stated rules.

2. "Unless worn for religious or medical reasons, head coverings are not permitted. This includes hats, hoods, bandanas, combs, and picks."

     While we understand hats and hoods are due to a safety concern and accessibility of cameras, the rules against head scarves and other head wear most commonly worn by persons of color is not only discriminatory, but promotes an image that was not the original intention of the rule. If we are citing safety, part of this rule is understandable. But if we are citing an antiquated ideal of removing ones hat as a sign of respect inside a building, it no longer has relevance to our society, and leaves an entire group of people feeling targeted.

3. "Clothing worn by a student must not cause a disruption and/or distract from the educational process or pose a health or safety concern."

     The wording of the first half of this sentence makes following the Suffolk Public Schools dress code unclear and ambiguous to its student body as well as the staff who are expected to enforce it. This leaves so much up to interpretation, allowing implicit bias to dictate a dress code that then in turn nullifies certain students' access to a free and open education in an environment where they feel safe and in which they know that they have the right to be there.

Dress codes are important, and certainly should be maintained in order to ensure an appropriate and professional school environment, but it is essential these rules be questioned, discussed, and updated to reflect the values of our modern, 21st century students and staff. We are preparing our students for life outside of high school, and a huge part of that is allowing them to learn how to express themselves in a way that is healthy and promotes not only body positivity, but an overall confidence in themselves and their decision making. If we allow them to be heard on this matter, and give them a voice in their own education, we open up an entirely new approach to education: one that allows autonomy and critical thinking, while still maintaining a safe learning environment.

Please help me in showing my AP Language students that they do have a voice.