Area teens discuss whether schools should have dress codes.
ASHLEY BIEG
Holyoke High
Our school's dress code is a bit too restrictive. We are not allowed to wear any form of tank top. We have to have sleeved shirts. We are also not allowed to wear leggings or yoga pants. I understand that it is necessary to have some restrictions, but I think a little more freedom should be allowed.
CHARLOTTE BERRY
Williams Middle, Longmeadow
A dress code is important in a school, as an equalizer and a movement against distraction. At my school, there are rules against short shorts and spaghetti-strap tops. The shorts' rule is unfair to people with long arms, as you put your arms at your sides and if the shorts don't go past your fingers, the shorts are too short. It is incredibly important not to have profane or inappropriate slogans or images on T-shirts. While dress codes may be restrictive, they are a good thing.
SHAVARI JOHARI
Longmeadow High
Wear what you want. Don't be obscene. It really doesn't need to be longer than that.
DELMARINA LOPEZ
Chicopee High School
My school's dress code is pretty reasonable. My only complaint is not being able to wear open-toed shoes, and having to cover your shoulders.
ANDRE FRASER
Sci-Tech
Dress codes are important, but some are a little too strict, such as the length requirement on pants or shirt sleeves, or having to wear socks.
STEPHANIE WELCH
Minnechaug Regional
Wilbraham
Dress codes are needed, but schools don't have enough faith that we will dress "appropriately." Their definition of what is appropriate is different from ours I think.
EMILY POPE
Belchertown High
While a dress code is important, it is made a far bigger deal that needed. The rules should be short and sweet: casual modesty. Don't wear anything that your mother would faint at if she saw. Students are old enough to make their own decisions, and they should not be required to wear certain things when they attend their studies.
BROOKLYN TURNER
Pioneer Valley Christian
It is important to have uniforms because they are clean and neat, but I also think it is important to be unique with what you wear. When I dress, I like to stand out.
NATASHA ROBARGE
South Middle
Westfield
Dress codes are needed because of the inappropriate clothing people wear, but I also feel people should express themselves.
SINETRA FRASER
Hampden Charter School of Science
Dress codes keep things "uniform." The way people wear their clothes is inappropriate. You never know who you are going to meet out there.
ROBERT KASS
South Hadley High
I don't mind my school's dress code. I don't really wear anything that would violate it.