Dress Codes for Teachers

In response to criticism over student dress codes, the Stroudsburg Pennsylvania school board decided to apply the codes to teachers, too.

According to the code, teachers will have a choice of polo shirts in the same four standard colors — white, maroon, black and gray — as the students. Staff members can also wear oxford-style shirts of any color. But if students wear oxfords, they must be in white, maroon, gray or black.

Male staff members who wear oxfords must wear a tie, too, under the plan. Women have a bit more leeway; they can wear blouses, shirts and tops that are "professionally appropriate."

The plan also specifies no bare midriffs, low-cut revealing tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, spandex or visible undergarments. Jeans, camouflage and cargo pants are expressly banned, as are stiletto heels and fishnet stockings.

Stilettos and fishnets?

But do dress codes really work?

When it comes to the effects of school uniforms, the research "has been inconclusive or mixed," says (Kerry) White. Much of the debate between supporters and opponents is based on anecdotal reports rather than well-designed studies. Some authors contend that uniforms lessen emphasis on fashion, reduce the financial burden of low-income families, and promote peer acceptance, school pride, and learning. Others aren't convinced. They compare adopting a uniform policy to applying a fresh coat of paint to a crumbling building-it's very visible but doesn't address the underlying problems.

Certainly the implementation of dress codes has some immediate effect on a school, but over time that effect will be minimized. Students always find a way to express themselves as individuals. The bottom line is that if a school is in trouble, dress codes might help for a while, but it is a superficial fix that only gives the illusion of discipline and success.

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