Crop tops, short shorts and open-back tank tops are all the rage amongst this year’s Hart High School governing board. In an attempt to promote a productive learning environment, Hart’s dress code has successfully caused more controversy than accord.

“Students must wear clothing that completely covers the chest, torso, undergarments, private areas, and bottom,” said Hart High School’s Code of Conduct and Dress Code. 

In school, students are limited to wearing modest attire. If this is not in one’s wardrobe, students must find clothes exemplary of the dress code. Personally, the last thing I need is to spend my savings on shirts that I will wear to school alone. Let’s remember, we are in high school, not the workplace.

Hart claims that the dress code prepares students for the workplace. I think all students are capable of abiding by a dress code. The issue is whether or not students should have to. In the workplace, people are paid to be there. Therefore, enforcing a dress code is understandable. However, students are not paid to be at school. This is a justified reason as to why students should not have to follow a dress code. 

Ultimately, if Hart wants to prepare students for the real world, they should teach kids that sexual objectification is by no means acceptable. It’s absurd to believe that we live in a society where a strapless top carries the stigma of sexual inappropriateness. By allowing students to reveal their chest or torso, Hart would teach students that their bodies are accepted by everyone. The freedom to dress as you wish induces a sense of self-identity, confidence and acceptance. It is not a girl’s fault that her outfit distracts a boy in her class. It’s time to promote a productive learning environment which prepares students for life beyond both school and the workplace.