Cracking Down!

By: Ashley Tibbetts

Students at Hopkinton High School are dressing differently this fall because the teachers at Hopkinton are trying to “crack down” on the dress code. To many students, the dress code does not set boundaries, but for others it seems like a hassle everyday.

Erin McAuliffe, a junior at Hopkinton High, was asked about the dress code and what she thought about “cracking down.” She said, “I think its pointless and people should be able to dress how they want.” Erin stated that the dress code, in her eyes, was unfair. She went on to say, “It is unfair because we grew up in an environment that shows limits and boundaries as well as rules, and people should be able to express themselves.”

Another student at Hopkinton, Morgan Holden, when interviewed said, “I think it is ‘radonkulious’ and very unfair.” But to an extent, she states that, “clothing portrays a person’s personality. Students should be able to wear what the want to a degree also, but right now it’s not an equal agreement.”

At Hopkinton there are rules that if your clothing is not appropriate and does not meet the standards within the handbook, you then have to change or go to the nurse’s office and find something. Many students think that is a bad idea for the simple fact that nobody wants to wear the clothes from the nurse’s office. If you deny the offer to use her clothes you then cannot attend class.

The girls have more a view about the dress code that others may not. For instance, girls’ shorts. The dress code states your skirts and or shorts have to be at least to the end of your fingers tips rested at your side when standing. A majority of girls like to argue that companies who make these shorts make them so they are short. Therefore, it is not the girl’s fault.

It seems on the other hand, boys have it easier, right? Well this rule does apply to both genders, since tank tops, are not allowed what so ever.

The first sentence of the handbook, regarding the dress code reads, “A standardized dress code has been adopted to help assure that all students are provide safe and appropriate educational opportunities free from unnecessary disruptions or outside influences.” It also says, “The way a person dresses reflects the way he or she thinks.”

Mrs. Montore, a teacher at HHS, was asked what she thought of the handbook definition of the dress code. She agrees the dress code here is to provide a safe and appropriate educational opportunities and that Hopkinton High could have a dress code where we wear nice pants and polo. But instead they have a free dress code where students can dress a way that reflects how a person thinks, which Mrs. Montore also agrees with.