My principal recently cited me on a dress code violation, that my tank top was an undergarment, and therefore could not be worn.
Upon showing her that it was indeed NOT an undershirt, she began to tell me that men are not allowed to wear tank tops because it sends the wrong message.
I asked what this message is, fearing some anti-gay hogwash. Her reply was that it didn't promote an image of modesty or remote professionalism.
I cited that the school allows people to wear full blown halloween costumes AND that there were women standing right next to me wearing nearly the same tank top, AND scantily less clothing.
So, after going back and forth with her I got straight to the point, "So, the rule is that as a male I may not wear a tank top." AND SHE SAID YES. (sex discrimination that infringes on my ability to wear what clothes I choose)
My question is, how much power does a school have over dress codes, can I fight this discrimination, and HOW?
(As a 17 year old in high school in CA.)
2007-08-31 18:49:26 · 11 answers · asked by alchemicalstann 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The school has broad authority, and sadly there is very little that can be done about it.
The Courts have determined that any school policy that is not completely arbitrary -- meaning that it is based on some vague rationale or claim of some thread of logic -- is generally valid.
In this case, gender-based discrimination is almost always considered valid -- as is school policies based on "professionalism" or other pseudo-rational claims.
It's wrong, but the law allows it -- just another example of how non-free we've become as a country.
2007-08-31 18:57:06 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you could get a lawyer and challenge the dress code. But it can be expensive and not do much seeing as your probably close to graduating. Best bet try getting a petition signed by students and teachers and taking to to the school committee board it might not do much but its worth a shot. if the tank top in question looked like a "wife beater" then you most likely wont get anywhere cause go into any store and its right by the mens underwear, where as the girl version of a wife beater is actually a shirt even though they are practically the same thing. but good luck
2007-09-01 01:57:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can probably get this reported, I'm sure they (cops or whoever you report it too) will understand, most principles even if they realize they are wrong they keep saying the same specific thing over and over. Try wearing the tank top again and having the same discussion with her, if you get it on video she is toast. If you can't do that they might not put any charges if you don't have any proof, so be sure to use witnesses
2007-09-01 01:55:33 · answer #3 · answered by SSS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is typical in this so called "free" country. What I did in high school was keep breaking the benign rules like the one you mentioned, then I get in trouble, then I tell mom, and she ripped the principal a new one, faculty fears the parent. It is the only legal thing that I could think of, since changing rules is too much work.
Fight the power brother!
2007-09-01 02:57:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how you can fight it, but I do think that is very wrong. What would they say if there was a rule that let male students wear pants but females had to wear skirts? I think it's along the same principle...and by the way, I wonder what they would do if male students came wearing skirts and dresses...
2007-09-01 01:55:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, they have lots of power over dress codes. However justifying this particular one is going to take a bit of work.
In Texas, the dress codes tend to say dark blue or black pants, loose white shirt or blouse, no clinging shirts, no messages or logos of any kind on clothes.
2007-09-01 01:56:50 · answer #6 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is your school private or public? Where is this so called rule? In their handbook? Is it on any sort of agreement you signed to be a part of the school? This could classify as discrimination. You could fight this and I definitely would.
2007-09-01 22:13:59 · answer #7 · answered by Nicole83 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop being a baby and do what you're told.
I'm not trying to be mean but it's just easier to just follow their rules and graduate than to try to fight stuff. Just graduate and move on with you're life.
2007-09-01 03:15:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
You can't fight it. Free speech laws don't apply to schools....Some high schools still have uniform codes.
2007-09-01 01:59:05 · answer #9 · answered by keithr2003 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Grow up, STFU, and learn some respect for authority.
They have LOTS of power,. Get used to it.
2007-09-01 02:41:50 · answer #10 · answered by Barry auh2o 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋