Debating
the Dress Code Controversy in Colleges
Today, we have the freedom to choose any clothing that we prefer to wear in college or at work. Most people choose according to what is the fashion of today, aiming to wear clothes that are comfortable and warm to fit for the needs of weather, temperature or anticipated activities such as sport, indoor work or outdoor work. When “Dress Code” addressed in college, some students think this concept has violated their right in “Freedom of choice” on choice of clothing. Most college students are expected to be 18 years old or above. They should have the autonomy of wearing clothes that are fitted to their desire. Most colleges have guidelines for students to dress appropriately, respectfully and safely. Dress codes enhance and help a lot with your learning environment, your boost self-esteem, being financially affordable by students and parents, and to promote safe environment in college. However, dress codes are also non-verbal communication which impacts students’ behavior. It reflects the students’ thoughts, understanding, culture, personality and professionalism and expresses the student’s identity. The conversation of dress codes about the concept of freedom of choice has changed to a behavior that presents with value. The dress codes become a balance act of freedom verses value. These two words bring in the following questions. Are dress codes necessary in college? Are dress codes becoming political and a tool for social control? Are dress codes inclusive or discriminative? “Colleges and Universities generally value the individuality and freedom of expression of their students.” (DePietro Andrew. October 18th, 2023)
(Topic
1 – Why a Dress Code is needed)
There are reasons why dress
codes are needed in colleges and universities. According to Andrew DePietro, “regarding
to student attire, some colleges and universities may have guidelines to
follow.” I believe Andrew is mentioning that not all colleges are strictly
enhancing or enforcing these dress codes, but recommendations are posted in
their college policy manuals to educate students to explore the choice of
attires that are suitable for themselves and how the world perceives and comments about
what you dressed. “Many colleges have minimal or informal dress code,
guidelines, encouraging students to dress in a manner that is respectful,
appropriate, and conducive to the learning environment.” (DePietro, 2023)
Moreover, some dress codes prepare students for future career success such as
in Healthcare and Medicines, Law, Business. “These programs often require
students to adhere to specific dress standards, such as business attire, or lab
coats, to foster a professional image and simulate real-world expectations.” (DePietro,
2023) Dress Codes also create a collective identity and make social
distinctions less obvious. Those colleges or Universities where the students
are given a sense of belonging and pride perception such as institutes of
military, police and fire rescue, colleges that prepare one to comply with
their social control environment. Universities related to historical and
religious backgrounds may enhance higher standards of attire and traditional
uniforms to maintain their image, values and religious belief. For Example, Bryan
College of Health Sciences recognizes that appearance offers one way for
individuals to express their identities within the environments that they
inhabit. Clothing and other aspects of appearance are important forms of
nonverbal communication that affect how others perceive the wearer in either a
positive or negative way. The cost for purchasing uniforms and standard
clothing, shoes or hair accessories are cheaper than fashionable fancy clothing
and this enhances all levels of family income and promotes clean and safe
campus. “A strict dress code has been found to minimize violence in schools,
particularly when it comes to gang-style clothing. In addition, by eliminating
expensive trendy clothing, the number of students robbed of shoes, hats, and
jackets can be reduced. Of course, when students feel safer on their campus, learning
is also enhanced. (Chen, Grace, March 15th, 2023)
(Topic
2 – Why Dress Codes are not needed)
“Some districts have imposed harsh punishments
on those groups of students, including in-or-out of school suspensions, for
violations of dress codes. And a federal Government Accountability Office
reported recently concluded there’s a lack of model policies to help school
districts set dress codes that are fair to everyone.” (Pendharker, Eesha,
December 27, 2022) If there is no standard policy of dress codes or the
consequent procedure of violation installed, how can the school or college and the
students stand for justification. This is not a fair system, and it is better
to abolish the dress codes and review what is offensive and controversial that
may pose a safety threat to students. The ideas of appropriate college clothes are
in the hands of a student’s preferences. Dress codes have become students’ self-expression
of identity for years until recent years. “dress codes have come up as an
equity issue after reports that Black students, girls and LGBTQ students across
the country are disproportionately affected by school dress codes.”
(Pendharker, 2022) Most schools have banned dress codes that consider
revealing, distracting, controversial, or pose a safety threat to students. The
enforcement of dress codes is often discriminatory as some educators often
enforce unfairly target students of color, LGBTQ students, and girls because of
their clothes are gendered, or mandate that boys are prohibited from wearing
long hair. Girls are required to wear skirts of a certain length. “But the enforcement of dress codes often ends
up penalizing students for their clothing or hair, rather than protecting them”,
and “a lot of times these codes, while supposed to be designed to keep students
safe and to be able to engage in learning, do more harm than good, and are not
inclusive of all identities”. “Somethings banned in dress codes, such as hate
speech or hate symbols, can actually do the intended job of protecting students”,
Moreover, “Symbols or wording that promote racism, homophobia, or intolerance
should be banned by school dress codes, because dress codes, like all other
equity and school climate initiatives, should aim to make all students feel
welcome”. (Pendharker, 2022)
Similarity
and differences in dress codes
Both sides to have and not to have dress codes agreed that dress codes are targeted on thee three elements: to protect students in safe environment, enhance student learning and dress for success. But sometimes the colleges are failing to enforce the dress codes equally among students, and that brings the issue of inequity and discrimination. The principles of dress codes reviewed in specific words and tones may express their message more appropriately, “using words like provocative and revealing unfairly targets’ clothing by implying that girls are dressing a certain way to gain sexual attention” (Pendharkar, 2022) College should proactively in addressing inclusive dress codes that accommodate various gender identities and expressions, avoiding stereotypes or harmful biases. What to wear is a form of self-expression and non-verbal communication, so letting students from diverse backgrounds reflect their culture, heritage, personal style or religious clothing. “What we wear a lot about a person. You are communicating all the times without even opening your mouth.” “What you wear can tell us who you are, what you represent, and what you want to convey. Dr. Baumgartner, a clinical psychologist who wrote the book “You are What you Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You.” (Caitlin Swim) Students are the voice of dress codes change; the college should listen to diverse opinions from their students and evaluate the dress codes and publish a clear handbook of guidelines to help students to understand and comply.
In conclusion, the dress codes are more than
just a set of rules or guidelines, it reflects the communication between the
college and the students. I personally believe my dress codes enhance my
learning in communication with my teacher and collaboration with my classmates.
I want to show my respect to my teacher and my fellow classmates. Everyone is
unique and special. What to wear to attend the days in college is not
important, I do believe appropriate, respectable, comfortable clothing will
help me to engage better in learning and focus on striving my target of future
career.
Works
Cited
Pendharkar
Eesha. “School Dress Code Debates, Explained” edweek.org 27 Dec 2022
School Dress Code Debates,
Explained Accessed
10 July 2025
DePietro
Andrew. “Do Colleges Have a Dress Code? Many Don’t But A Good Amount Do”
brokescholar.com 18 Oct
2023
Do Colleges Have a Dress Code? Many
Don’t But A Good Amount Do
Accessed 14 July 2025
Chen
Grace. “Dressed for Future Success? Community College Dress Codes”
communitycollegereview.com 15 Mar
2023 Dressed for Future Success?
Community College Dress Codes
Accessed 23 2025
Swim
Caitlin. “Clothing as a Form of Non-verbal Communication” medium.com 07 Dec 2018
Clothing as a Form of Non-verbal Communication | by CAITLIN
SWIM | Medium Accessed 05 Aug 2025
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