Colette Robicheaux: Dress code sends message of prejudice
Columnist
Published: September 14, 2009
When we went back to school last month, almost everything was the same.
The hallways are the same as they were last year, most of the teachers are the same, and (unfortunately) the lunch food hasn’t changed much either.
But one thing is different, and that’s what pretty much everybody was buzzing about: the dress code.
Now, of course, it is fully within the school’s rights to restrict what we wear during class.
I understand that, and some of the new rules are pretty common sense.
Girls can’t show too much skin, clothes can’t be too tight, no obscene slogans on t-shirts.
But a few of these rules aren’t quite as straightforward, and that is what people are really getting upset about.
Starting this year, shirts that extend four inches below the knee are not allowed.
Baggy or loose-fitting pants must be worn with a belt. Men’s style white undershirts are not permitted. Athletic shorts are not permitted.
Spikes, heavy metal chains or other “distracting” jewelry are not permitted.
These are the new restrictions that are forcing people to go out and replace half of their wardrobe, an expensive process that some kids can’t afford.
And why?
Why can’t students wear long t-shirts or baggy pants? Why can’t students wear chains or spikes?
Does the school really believe that we will be so distracted by shiny metal chains that we will be unable to learn?
Or do they want to try and pull an edgier group of students into the mainstream, try to restrict their sometimes unpopular self-expression with a dress code?
If a student doesn’t show any undergarments, why can’t he wear baggy pants or a long t-shirt? It doesn’t make sense to me, and the kids they are targeting tend to be the ones who can least afford a whole new set of clothes.
It isn’t OK to target different cliques of kids, and persecute them just because of their clothes.
There is nothing inappropriate about a spiked belt or a plain white t-shirt.
These are just the trademarks of a few groups of young people who don’t fit into the school’s mold of a “wholesome” student.
I have always leaned to the more preppy, prettier side of fashion, so I wasn’t really affected by the dress code.
But I have heard people talking and I have seen it myself.
This dress code sends a restricting message of conformity and prejudice to students.
I’m sad to say that as far as the dress code goes, Auburn High is teaching kids all the wrong lessons.
Colette Robicheaux is a junior at Auburn High School and writes a column for the Opelika-Auburn News.
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Reader Reactions
Colette, I by no means begrudge you your opinion. I remember having pink streaks in my hair and thinking I was so unique. As unique as all the other girls in my high school with pink streaks in their hair. I do feel, however, that I have an obligation to you to educate you in one ‘form of expression’ that many teens find to be a norm in dress these past years. Over sized shirts and baggy over sized pants/jeans. You see, Colette, I worked for juvenile detention for about four years and learned that this style of dress, of course was influenced by popular music, as was my pink streaked hair. Much of this dress is attributed to the hip hop and rap scene. I, for one, am a fan of hip hop and some rap, although my love is for the old school, Dre and Snoop. Anyway, rappers an hip hop performers clung to this style of dress as it was based from PRISON INMATES regulation attire while locked up and these performers felt it gave them street cred to dress as though they had served some time. You see, in prison as in juvenile detention, one does not have a tailor to perfectly fit them to their reg attire. It usually is several times to big, because it’s easier to try and keep pants up then squeeze into them and not be able to close them. So, I have to admit, I don’t understand the fascination with this style of dress, and neither does many of my clients/residents in detention when they realize that this is where the trend began. Really takes the air out of your tires when you know the facts, huh? Of course, I never knew why I thought pink streaks was cool. Especially after seeing Brett Michaels’ ‘Rock of Love’ and all the strippers on the show who had pink streaks in their hair. And I thought I looked so cute. Gave me a major case of heart burn. Needless to say, I’ll stick with traditional blond now.
I’m confused - in your last post you said “it is becoming the norm to call those in opposition prejudice (d) and racist” so YOU brought up race in your statement - at any rate let’s just agree to disagree - I don’t understand your view point and you don’t understand mine
I’m having a hard time really understanding your oppositon to my idea that his young person questions authority when it comes to dress code in a public school. Can you point out where I mentioned race in regards to prejudice? Ghetto, since it has taken on numerous meanings from its beginning, has been translated from my point of view. Any kid, regardless of race, color, creed or social status could potentially be ghetto. Kids that don’t know to put a hat on their head properly are ghetto to me. The pockets of one’s pants touching their knees is ghetto regardless to your definition of the same term.
Since you want to use the dictionary to be technical, let’s bring up the term “ghetto”. The term really took its original meaning in occupied Europe in the early 1930’s to describe where Jews were required to live prior to being transported to concentration camps. I believe we all have grossly mis-translated the term from its original meaning but it does have a different “urban” meaning today. Its actually a good status symbol in some conversations going on in this country. I believe that idea in itself is destroying today’s youth.
But back to your last comment, I wasn’t referring to any ethnic group while using the term “ghetto”, more of the way of life it represents today. You brought up the term “race”.
Ryanau99 the word Prejudice can be against a group of people based on more than race - one could be prejudiced based on age, social glass, gender etc. This “adult strong” word is defined as a preconceived belief or judgment toward a group of people. Her article did not mention race at all nor people from ghettos - I thought it was more about non-conforming students - so I find your perspective interesting. Also how do you know if this person will ever experience prejudice in her life - furthermore - this is an Opinion piece, so supporting “facts” are irrelevant. Anyway I am a horrible speller too - thank goodness for spell check.
still can’t spell, maybe I should’ve gone to a school where I wasn’t distracted by “sagging pants”.
I read the article and yes she asks why can’t students wear baggy pants. If you are naive enough to think this means loose pants around wastes then you’ve been in a hole for a decade. She did state that she thinks loose pants should be ok as long as undergarments are covered. The school dress code doesn’t state you have to wear pants that are skin tight. It states, in different terms, that you can’t look ghetto with your pockets at your knees. Seriously? You read my comment and this sticks out?
I mispelled 2 words in the comment and this is a problem for you? I attended public school where students were allowed to “sag” and wear long t-shirts and run around the school like a bunch of hoodlums. Who’s to blame now?
On questioning authority, I’m all for questioning any type of authority in an appropriate manner. Like one of the previous comments, I was simply stating that this young student felt empowered enough to use the word prejudice. I am appauled that she would consider using such a harsh, adult phrase to question authority. Asking questions and disagreeing if more than fine, IMHO, but to use the term prejudice is beyong belief when it comes to how a student should present themself in a public funded education system.
My reason for saying that this is the worse thing I’ve read is because this young student didn’t just come up with this idea on her own. Its becoming the norm for adults to call those in opposition prejudice and racist. News alert for parents-kids do listen and learn at home. This girl has no idea what prejudice is and will possibly never know what the true meaning is in regards to public awareness. I don’t like kids learning and using terms without supporting facts. Just calling authority out without reason isn’t ok.
Did you read the column ryanau99? She states that belts should be worn and one should NOT see one’s underwear. Anyway - please learn how to spell - I’m sure that is also important when applying for jobs. Get some perspective - to question authority - even one’s high school - is a great aspect of our wonderful democracy. If this is really the worst thing you have ever read in the OA news - you need to read more!
Ms. Robicheaux asks some reasonable questions. I have looked long and hard for any disrespect or the like only to have not yet found any. And she can spell!
As for the spike thingies or chains, possibly there is worry about them being used as a weapon?
If it is an undershirt, then maybe the powers that be look at it as underwear more than a shirt?
I can’t imagine me wearing a shirt that goes below four inches at the knee as it would seem to be more tent than shirt. However, I can’t see much harm in that.
Athletic shorts? Beats me, provided they don’t reference Tuskerlooser.
The belt seems reasonable enough as recall some of my former students having their trousers hit the floor. I once had two get into a pushing match where they had to hold up their britches as they tussled.
There’d be no harm in asking for the administration to share more information and consider modifications.
Dress code sends message of prejudice.
Those are harsh, serious words against a respected institution who is assisting this high school junior with a public (free) education.
So, Ms. Robicheaux, are you implying that school officials are creating policies that may be an extention of hidden racist feelings and thoughts by those officials?
What say you?
I think you should direct your anger at the parents that let the “targeted” kids buy those clothes in the first place.
From what I’ve seen, those “baggy” clothes and oversized shirts aren’t inexpensive in the first place.
At some point in your life, you may even have a job and you’ll have to have both work clothes *and* casual clothes…
Maybe that’s the lesson Auburn High is trying to teach you.
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