By Jack Petocz
If you’re roaming the halls of bustling Flagler Palm Coast High School, the impact of the district’s dress code is hard to miss, whether it’s administrators stalking students walking onto campus, spying for minor infractions, sending violators immediately to the dean, or hearing that chatter of frustration among my peers in response.
These voices of dissatisfaction from the student body have been amplified recently, not just with pleadings before the Flagler County School Board for some reasonable action. There was a dress-code strike on Aug. 20, and an online petition is still growing, with more than 1,300 signatures collected so far. Evidently, students and community members are eager for meaningful action now.
The district’s dress code is frankly irrational, outdated, unfair and sexist. It limits individual expression, and it’s an utter waste of time. Allow me to preface this argument with a few quoted examples from the secondary school code of conduct:
“Shirts must be standard short or long sleeve polo style, oxford style, or button- up dress shirt with a collar.”
“Bottom attire must be plain without any holes, tears, or unfinished hems.”
“Head coverings (bandanas, sweatbands, hoods and du-rags, etc.) will not be allowed inside the building.”
These excessive guidelines each have their issues but have this defining standard in common: conformity. They strip students of all individuality and expression, forbidding something as inoffensive as a non-collared shirt–in Florida of all places.
Female students are particularly and adversely affected, struggling to meet these requirements, specifically with bottom attire. Today, it is markedly difficult for my female peers to purchase bottoms that can adhere to such trivial standards, causing undue stress, and raising the not-so minore matter of discrimination: why should females have a greater burden than males to dress for school? What unequal message are we sending–that girls’ responsibility for acceptable attire is greater than that of boys?
Looking at the last standard listed above, regarding head coverings, district policy appears to restrict students’ ability to culturally and religiously express themselves. In order to be granted a religious exemption, the code of conduct states a discussion with the district and school principal must be conducted, raising significant barriers. Since when must religious expression be justified? Since when is it a burden? It shouldn’t be this difficult, especially when promoting inclusion is a stated district goal.
It is also important to note the exorbitant financial burden imposed on already-struggling families. As of 2019 the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that almost 10 percent of Flagler County residents live in poverty, but the rate for those in poverty who are younger than 18 is an astounding 16.5 percent, according to the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Demographic Research. So one out of six of your students lives in poverty. In a district with working parents scrambling to pay rent or purchase groceries, why impose a rigid policy that forces families to purchase hundreds of dollars’ worth of clothing, often year after year? Why the unjust burden if the children already own appropriate attire that happens not to be in strict compliance with the current code?
Furthermore, the disciplinary actions regarding such menial infractions are unjust and out of proportion. Something as simple as a non-collared plain shirt is cause for a student to be sent immediately to in-school suspension (ISS) for the remainder of the school day unless corrected. Seriously? A student will be penalized with a day’s loss of instruction because his or her working parent can’t be–and should not be–summoned to school with a replacement, at the risk of losing pay? This is what’s causing such individuals to miss out on valuable instructional time despite often wearing conventionally appropriate attire? I wonder if taxpayers at large know that this is how their tax dollars are being spent–in stalking, surveillance and punishment of minor dress infractions at the expense of the invaluable instructional time they assume they’re paying for.
In addition, disciplinary infractions have increased dramatically since the introduction of dress code, which reflects poorly on the district and needlessly taints a child’s academic record.
For all that, the matter that troubles me deepest is the impact enforcement of the dress code is having on our invaluable teachers and staff. The administration at Flagler Palm Coast High School has begun to instruct staff that if students are caught out of compliance with the code, teachers will be confronted. The administration will even examine the student’s schedule to question staff as to who had supervision prior to the violation being noticed. Many of my own teachers have talked with frustration about this new burden on them.
To the School Board and administration at FPC: Respectfully, do not threaten your staff. It’s embarrassing. Already overworked, underpaid and burdened with the anxieties of a global pandemic, it’s disheartening to see unnecessary additional stress placed upon them.
Looking at the coarse and nonsensical threads weaving this dress code, a strange thirst for power seems to be the only reason why the policy remains in place. Evidently, innumerable consequences have resulted from the mandate at every level. It’s time for amendments, because this daily dressing-down of students, teachers and staff at the cost of instructional time, gender equity, economic fairness, inclusion and common sense is making it difficult for Flagler Schools to live up to the goal of becoming the “nation’s premiere learning organization.”
I urge the Flagler School Board to hear the concerns of its students and constituents–and to act.
Jack Petocz is a junior at Flagler Palm Coast High School who plans on majoring in political science, with a minor in law, in college.
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Whathehck? says
The one important and missing item that should be included in the dress code is a mask covering the nose and mouth.
As for: “Bottom attire must be plain without any holes, tears, or unfinished hems.” What’s wrong with that? The argument of poor household’s burden doesn’t hold up since ripped jeans with holes showing underwear are more expensive than plain ones.
FlaglerLive: what is the percentage of students in Flagler County being home because of covid infection? Just heard that a 3rd grade class at BTES is down from ca 22 to 9.
Jack you are eloquent maybe you should spend your talent on saving students and faculty rather than worrying about a head dress or a hidden bulging waist.
Bon says
Are there guidelines when you go to work? Are u able to wear what you want at work?
MikeM says
Spare me. Please. Isn’t there enough going on without having to deal with this trivial BS ? You want equity? Then dress them all in the same uniform. Problem solved.
Dbro says
A well written, cogent argument that deserves serious consideration by the Board.
Toto says
Geez, you sound like an intelligent young person. BUT, I’m hearing a crybaby who is focused on trivial crap. Uniforms promote conformity, that’s the point of it. Girls don’t have it worse than guys, I mean you can wear jeans without holes, you can wear skirts, skorts made of denim. Come on, you’re in school, why go back to trying to gain a fashionista title. Be glad choices for school are simple. Life is too complicated for this diversity to come into play on a daily basis. Choose your battles, so many lie ahead of you and this one is so petty. So put on those big girl pants and make a difference where it will matter.
Open mind says
I couldn’t say it better.
Very well spoken
KCPC says
Experts claim that there are many benefits of school dress codes. Here are some of the most important advantages:
1) A dress code promotes a more serious school atmosphere which emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior.
2) Dress codes have proven to increase student achievement by encouraging students to concentrate more on their studies and less on their wardrobe. A de-emphasis on clothing can also save money, as there will be less pressure to keep up with expensive trends and fashions.
3) Dress codes in school settings reduce social conflict and peer pressure that may be associated with appearance.
4) Studies indicate that a school dress code can reduces the prevalence of certain behaviors which are often expressed through wardrobe such as violence or promiscuity.
5) As opposed to uniforms, dress codes still allow students to wear what they want which leaves students with a sense of choice and expression.
Old Guy says
Not much has changed since my high school days 50 years ago. The students want to dress their way, school administration wants to maintain a level of dress that reduces distractions to learning and the teachers are caught in the middle. Students of today have patience, you’ll have more freedom in college for a few years. After that you’ll find out things are different in the working world.
Ray W. says
Mandatory haircuts for boys when hair touched the eyebrows. Dress hems no more than four fingers above the knees for girls. Yes, junior high school dress codes in Daytona 50 years ago were different.
Helen Siegel says
I have an idea to change it up a little. Allow co-ordinating face masks when there is an abundance of Covid cases. No mask mandate? Change the dress code policy to include them under certain circumstances when the wearing of masks is recommended by the people who actually know something.
A concerned mom says
With all respect to the young man and his fifteen minutes, high school is a time to reflect on what type of person you will be when you graduate.
Will you be a young man with goals aimed high because you learned to respect your teachers, parents, other adults in your life? That you accepted and followed rules however silly because structure is what breeds excellence? Or will you be a person who complains, ever-looking for reasons to dissent?
Rules are made to be followed. Complaining because you don’t like the rules isn’t going to change the rules. It’s time to suck it up and stand tall. You’ve only a short time before you’re out in the real world and no one is going to listen to you whine then…
Let it be says
Real World SUCKS…..Rules are made to be broken. Where the HELL did you grow up Nazi Germany ?
Let the kids enjoy their High School years. Wear what every they want and if the other kids say “to much” then they learn from each other. They are going to be the ones that will protect America from ISIS, TALIBAN, Al Queda, China, Russia, Antifa, BLM, in the near future. If you want them in uniform, then ENLIST THEM into the military.
Susan E Sisk says
I really beg to differ with you on this one…. we need to teach our children to think independently and logically! Well that’s how I grew up(factory learning, etc. look it up ) …but you know what? On 911 I would have listened to my superiors and stayed in the building…and guess what, I would be dead! We need to to teach our children to think independently or they will not survive in the world we live in today! I have had teachers try to styfle my childs’ very valid theory because it was not in the scope (very narrow) of the assignment….that just destroyed a tremendous idea for no reason. Our schools need to adapt to the world we like in today!!!! Any BTW my kids always dressed appropriately, its the factory mentality that is killing this countries education!
Jordyn says
School IS the “real world”. The idea that children and young adults can’t advocate for their ideas because they haven’t graduated yet is absurd. A dress code is not needed for students to learn respect for adults, in fact those students ideally have learned that at home wearing normal clothes.
Also, rules and laws of all types have been changed countless times due to “complaining”, aka discussion and debate, and your comment had a much whinier tone than this very well reasoned and written article. Whether you agree with the premise or not, this young author is clearly putting their high school time to good use and should be commended, not told to “suck it up”.
Tom says
Usually I stay quiet and not say a word. A dress code is absolutely appropriate in a school setting. Not only does it make students focus on class but it prepares student for a professional career in which a dress code is standard. I bet you’re a anti-masker too.
Jordyn says
This is a strange and hostile correlation to make. You can certainly support the health benefits of wearing masks in school and also relaxing/changing the dress code to improve the experience of students and teachers. As someone who has worked for a large financial institution for 25 years, I’ve experienced first hand how dress codes have changed in professional settings as well. You might want to sit down for this, but we can actually wear jeans every day now, not just Fridays. Gasp!
Ryan McD says
Extremely well said. I was so disappointed to read that the dress code was brought to Flagler back in 2012/2013. I graduated in 2011 and luckily did not have to experience the dress code, but I can not imagine being forced to buy specific clothing in the name of a better education. Teachers and peers made my time as FPC special and prepared me for college, not wearing plain clothes.
Andrea P says
This was the best written article I have read in a really long time. Well done young man. 👏 I hope everyone on the board hears this and feels the way I felt when I read this. I am a single mom with 2 boys at FPC. Both growing every month!! As well as a young lady who started in the school system this year. Not even a grade, VPK and I had to get her uniforms. She is four and doesn’t understand why she has to wear “plain” clothes. I had to use credit to supply enough for my kids to start. So uniforms put me in debt. Thank you young man for standing up for Everyone!
Mary Fusco says
Amazingly, I read about parents complaining about the cost of decent attire for their children to wear to school yet these kids are walking around with $1,000 cell phones that have plans that cost hundreds of dollars a month. Let’t ditch the phones, have kids dress decently and get an education. Kids are in school to get an education, not make a fashion statement. My children went to school in the stone age. There were no dress codes because parents knew how to dress their children for school. If I were a parent today, I would certainly prefer the $5.00 polo from WM as 0pposed to the $50 shirt at the Gap that they must have to keep up with the Jones’.
HayRide says
If prepy attire was required that would settle everything, plus everyone would look 100% better.
Joan says
Well written but perhaps focused on a trivial issue. As a parent, I spend $4-$5 each for the required polio shirts -that’s $20-$25 for a week’s worth of shirts that can be worn all year. What a bargain! I also need to ensure the pants my student wears have no holes in them. That’s it. Much easier and less expensive than shopping and arguing over what is decent and appropriate to wear to school based on my own opinion. Allowing head covering for religious reasons absolutely must be allowed. Focus on punishing teachers for not catching those who are non- compliant does seem excessive. The rest is too trivial and distracting to be concerned about, particularly in light of the need for a mask mandate to keep everyone safe.
Jay says
$4-$5 per collared shirt is what I pay for my grade schoolers shirts, but the ones for young men (high schoolers) are running about $15-$25 each. I do empathize with families that now have the added burden of having to shell out for them. Honestly, I wish more focus was on the health and safety of students/staff by requiring masks rather than the stupid polo shirts.
tulip says
I totally agree with KCPC and also the opinions of the others who approve of a dress code.
The students and their parents should be grateful that the codes aren’t like some private schools where everybody wears exactly the same thing, colors and all and with no deviation. It used to be boys wore shirts and blazers and real shoes and girls wore high collard blouses and cardigans with pleated skirt and real shoes. So don’t complain about our dress code. At least the students have a choice of colors and an easy style of clothes, no formal stuff.
Actually parents save money because they don’t have to worry about buying so many clothes and accessories for the kids so they can wear a different outfit every day for a couple of weeks and girls especially won’t have to spend hours deciding what to wear that day. Also, when every one is on the same level of dress, they will pay more attention to the person they are with and get to know them better as a person and not judge them by what they are wearing.
mark101 says
I really wonder what the grade average is for these kids that are complaining about their dress code. Dress like you are responsible and not like a tramp. All I can say is pull up your freaking pants. I was thought how to pull my pants up when I was two.
Christopher Todd Lemke says
If you don’t like the dress code, enroll in a private school or choose homeschooling. Crocodile tears over nothing. Get a life and focus on what’s really important.
Marlene says
While I can certainly sympathize with the students, as a parent I disagree in a small way. Yes it is hard to find clothing that meets the standards of the school district. But it also give me peace in knowing that the children who are from low income homes are wearing the same thing as those who come from well off homes. It is comforting to know that everyone is held to the same standard. Can the code be a little more lax? Absolutely. Non collared shirts should be an option. Especially in schools that don’t have central air. The current dress code is definitely antiquated and needs a revamp. I still agree with no leggings or short shorts. But rips and tears in jeans are definitely more prominent and easy to find. It’s hard to find jeans without them. However, I do think tank tops are inappropriate for school and shirts should cover a modest amount of skin. For all parties. Headwear for religious purposes should never even be questioned. Kudos to this junior though for voicing his opinions and factual evidence.
Peaches McGee says
You will encounter situations as these all during your adult life. Employers and the government have little care regarding someone going against the norm and starting a ruckus. You will never escape rules or policies.
After high school, get a liberal arts degree. Stop showering and shaving. Eat berries and tree bark. Go barefoot, half-naked and live in a commune. You just might escape big brothers wrath. That is until the government burns down your commune for the next high-rise building or interstate.
Teacher says
I’m a teacher at Matanzas H.S. and I would like to share with you our mission statement:
“Through the collective partnership with our families, students, staff and community, Matanzas will become a premier high school in the nation by inspiring independence and confidence in all learners as they prepare for college, career and life”.
Can you wear a do-rag, hat, hoodie, bandana, ripped jeans, saggy pants( with visible underwear), or see-through tops if you get a job at Publix, McDonalds, or a corporate position any where in this country? We are asked to hold our students accountable so they can become great citizens. Being in the trenches, I can assure you that not once a student has been reprimanded for not being able to afford clothes, the students that are given referrals are usually ones that wear very expensive clothes and are defiant, and do not want to abide by the rule. I definitely believe that there should be some tweaking to the rule, but most of the things you wrote about are non-negotiable.
The dude says
Articulate. Lots of big words. But pretty much a pile of nothing there.
This is the first place I’ve ever lived that required school uniforms. It doesn’t bother me.
What does bother me is the argument that parents should have to rush to the school with replacement garments to keep their progeny from having to deal with the consequences of their clothing decisions that morning.
You know the code, you know the rules. You chose not to follow them. Now Dad needs to drop everything and run to the school because of your poor choice?
My child will sit in ISS.
Sherry says
So many great comments here. . . all I can add is that school not only prepares us intellectually, it also prepares us for how to succeed in our careers. Part of that is learning to dress appropriately. Remember, even McDonald’s requires a uniform.
Jackson Jones says
I’m sure there are children around the world that would love to have a dress code and masks as their biggest issues. Haiti and Afghanistan just to name a couple.
Pogo says
@Jack Petocz
You’re quite articulate. I don’t agree with your POV here, but you raise valid questions,IMO, e.g., the cumbersome, IMO, manner of handling “violations” of the code.
You’ve, like all of us, already an online record:
@https://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20180311/flagler-middle-schoolers-helping-fight-delinquency
I wonder how some of your critics (if they would read the aforementioned link) see your words now. Hang in there and keep learning — and teaching. All too soon you’ll be the owner of your world. Good luck.
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
— Omar Khayyam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Khayyam
Ruth says
Welcome to the real world, Kidos!
There are dress codes in construction, offices, law firms, court, jail, military, restaurants, fire, police, McDonalds, etc.
School is not for expression. It is for learning reading, writing, science, and history…supposedly.
This is a prime example why kids are considered ‘a minor’ until they are 18. They NEED adult supervision.
I’m surprised liberals do not applaud conformity because they sure preach it from the political and media pulpit.
David Acevedo says
I duly understand the complaint regarding the students concern and maybe the dress codes are a bit harsh, but some of the restricted items should still stand.
For instance
.Pants worn below the waist
.Provocative blouses
.Expensive jewelry
Etc…
Kim Pandich-Gridley says
I had kind of a unique position. I grew up going to Catholic school in a different era and with two younger sister, so the uniform was a godsend to my mother. A long time later, I started as the AP when we opened Matanzas and later returned to finish my career as a teacher, so I saw the dress code from a couple of different perspectives. And, I was also John Fischer’s (who was big on the idea) campaign manager for the second time he ran. The first thing I told him was that uniforms were a mistake – that it was a nightmare for the deans and the teachers. BUT, what I always told my “kids,” usually 9th or 10th graders, was that I didn’t want to see “boobs, bellies or butts.” There were also tee-shirts that were obviously double entendres that were unacceptable and the kids of course knew what they meant and turned them inside out, if asked. Bottom line is this: we need to ensure that our kids are dressing appropriately, especially at the secondary level. Kids are obviously going to push the envelope – that’s what they do. I could care less if they’ve got a collar around their shirt. But … I do care if boys have their butts hanging out in their boxers or girls are wearing low cut shirts that keep their peers focusing on anything other than their studies. A dress code – obviously; but not a uniform.
Boomerh8r says
Which is? He’s obviously a teenager so what should his bigger picture be? At the end it already states he knows what he wants to do with his life and he’s obviously smart enough to do so. So again why can’t he use his voice for what believes in? Everyone commenting on this I know for a fact didn’t have the collard shirt dress code growing up. And if it was imposed on you, you’d be upset as well. All of you guys are just old farts who don’t like when young people stand up for themselves. Whose the real crybabies here? The young man standing up for not only his peers but his educators as well. In a lovely way. To get response from people who haven’t been in school for years and probably whose children haven’t either. And for the job argument. They are children they have to be at school 5 days a week 8 hours a day for 13 years of their life. Spending it in the same uniform is one way to dull a personality. Only wear your own clothes 2 days a week? The times are changing get over it. Once you all die it’ll be changed anyway.
Kayla Eve says
If Flagler County schools begin the school year in August (the hottest month of the year) students should be allowed to wear shorts and tank tops. This is Florida, it has been above 90 degrees for the past two weeks. If boys can’t control themselves because girls are wearing “revealing” clothing that is their own fault. I have faith that the school board has the brains to do the right thing here.
Steve says
Wore a Jacket and Tie everyday to HS. Preaching to the Choir. Well written Article though. Nice try Good Luck
KC says
I agree the dress code is ridiculous. As a past student who went through the transition of dress code, now my younger sister is at FPC with the same issues. I understand the work has a uniform you have to follow I get the idea of that. But when I see students wearing dog collars and ears/tail, How is that ok as part of the uniform. But a solid plain t-shirt gets suspension? Kids go to dual enrollment and can flourish in college classes with no dress code. Why are they being punished in high school for the same outfit. The education should be the focus on these kids, not how they dress. if there needs to be a dress code in place. Make it simple with somewhat modest coverings (like half their ass not hanging out) Period. Doesn’t need to be fancy with specific colored polo but cat ears and fish net stockings allowed. It makes no sense. And now teachers are punished too? Damn is education even important anymore? No wonder some much of your staff quit.