For many new high school students, the transition has been anything but simple—there are more classes, a bigger building, and greater independence. Yet something’s missing…the dress code!

Gone are the days of strict middle school dress codes; the lack of strict dress code at Reedy High School has been one of the biggest— and most welcome— changes for the incoming freshman class. The moment the topic of a school dress code was brought up, junior Lexi Knippenberg and sophomore Katherine Johnson were quick to reply:

“Reedy doesn’t have a dress code,” both Knippenberg and Johnson said.

And it’s true—Reedy doesn’t enforce the district dress code. And for whatever the reason, calls for a stricter policy are rare, if not non-existent. Students have varying opinions on whether the dress code should be enforced.

“School should be a place for learning, not just a fashion week where you can show off your body,” Johnson said, “I find it distracting and annoying when people don’t follow the dress code.”

Johnson’s perspective reflects her belief that students should prioritize learning over following fashion trends.

Meanwhile, other students described the dress code as “fine,” indicating little concern over its presence and suggesting a sense of acceptance or indifference toward the policy. 

“I don’t really see Reedy enforcing the dress code,” sophomore Savannah Harkins said, “but I do think that it should be enforced because I believe that dressing appropriately can help everybody focus better.” 

Harkins is suggesting a view that values the purpose behind the rules, even if the enforcement of them feels inconsistent. 

“At times, yes, the dress code should be enforced; If the clothes are wildly inappropriate, I do think they should be told to change,” Knippenberg said. “The dress code is something that’s never really bothered me at all because I like to express myself.”

Her perspective reveals a desire for flexibility, self-choice and self-expression within reasonable boundaries. 

Combined, the diversity of their opinions shows that while students generally acknowledge the need for some enforcement— all agreeing that the “extremely crazy” violations have and will continue to be acknowledged —  while they differ on how strictly the rules should be applied and whether enforcement truly affects their daily school experience. 

Overall the students at Reedy High School seek to balance personal expression with the broader— and more important — goals of education.

“I do feel that Reedy has a good dress code,” Knippenberg said, “And I think it’s enforced when it’s needed.”