The Train of Thought conducted a Google Survey regarding the school’s dress code policy and standards. The Google Survey was sent out to Banneker students and teachers of all subjects, genders and classes. The survey consisted of questions asking teachers and students about their experience with the dress code, situations where a dress code violation was given out, opinions regarding bias in the dress code, and future suggestions to better the dress code.

The dress code at Banneker currently requires students to wear knee-length or longer bottoms, tops that cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.  It also prohibits students from wearing sharp accessories, head coverings that are non-religious, and tight clothing.

From the survey, a total of 55 responses were collected, with 94% of responders being students and 6% of responders being teachers. Two-thirds of teacher responders were male and one-third were female. Students ranged from all grades; however, the majority were in ninth and twelfth grade, making up 72% of responses. Nearly three-quarters of student responders were female, with one-quarter male, and 2% who identified as gender fluid.

Some teachers said they have never “dress coded” a student, a term for reporting a violation, and most agreed with all guidelines written in the dress code policy.

One teacher said, “I think students should be allowed to wear scarves and hats and hoodies. I don’t understand why students can’t wear these since they are a cultural part of many teenagers’ life.” The teacher also questioned why “things that are part of Black culture…like durags…are not allowed.”

Teachers also voiced that items like yoga pants or other comfortable clothes are typically worn by students, especially on college campuses.

Teachers don’t believe much has changed with school dress codes over the years. One teacher said, “When I was in high school, teachers often sexualized myself and my friends and wouldn’t allow us to wear things like spaghetti straps. I always felt like it was more of an issue for teachers (especially male teachers) than it was for us girls.”

While one teacher said that school “is a professional setting, and [clothing] puts particularly male teachers in a difficult situation,” another said, “the only clothing I would find distracting would be something that is racist, sexist or hateful.”

All teacher respondents believe that personality is demonstrated through the clothing choice of students, but some also noted that looking professional is important for future careers. “Do you go to a dentist appointment expecting to see workers dressed unprofessionally?” asked one teacher.

Another said, “I think we should empower people to feel comfortable in their bodies and encourage people to develop their own personal style.”

Style reflects culture and gender differences, and one teacher expressed that “the dress code is biased towards white culture.” The same teacher also reported, “I have heard girls be targeted more because they are perceived as more sexual, especially Black girls.”

Twenty-four student respondents said that they had been “dress coded,” while 29 had not.

One student who self-identified as “tall” said, “I got dress coded because [my Nike shorts] didn’t reach directly onto my knee. I had to put shorts over it that the principal provided, but it barely reached my knee as well.”

Another student said that before entering school on the first day, she was told her “skirt was too short even though they were the right length according to the dress code.”

Frustration with trying to meet the dress code is common. Another student said, “I was asked to wear a pair of gym shorts over my jean shorts after I was told that they were too short after I made sure they were long enough the morning before.”

Some students also perceive the dress code as biased due to weight. “If a girl is seen to have a bigger body, they will most likely get dress coded compared to a smaller girl,” a student said.

Another self-identified “tall” student also said that the dress code is harder for taller people.

Students want fairness in the policy. One junior said, “whether it’s an athlete, boy, or a senior, the rules should apply to everyone.”

Half of the students agree that the dress code is meant to uphold professionalism, and a majority agree that the way they dress impacts how others treat or perceive them.

Eighty-six percent of students, however, said that there should be changes to the dress code policy.

“Change how heavily surrounded around women’s clothing it is. Leggings should also be acceptable and certain dresses like strapless or with small straps should be allowed,” said one student.

Another said, “People should be able to wear what they want as long as it won’t pose a threat to their safety.”

“I would like to see tank tops allowed,” said senior Thandi Kirk.

One student proposed implementing a school uniform, while another wants to allow “having your shorts be past your fingertips.”

Brenda Kouam, a junior, suggested “an either-or twist to [the dress code] where you can’t wear a crop top and shorts in one outfit. Instead, you have to wear the shorts with a regular shirt or a crop top with jeans.”

“A dress code should just make sure no one is discriminated against. A dress code is just there to enforce that things are appropriate,” said one student.

Athena Goines, a junior, said the dress code “provide[s] a sense of professionalism in a school, but it also lessens a student’s ability to feel comfortable and express themselves in a social setting.”

Several students think that striking a balance between professionalism and individual choice is key.

Senior Edward Lara said dress “expresses how you are as a person and the art you follow.”