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Schools Dress Codes

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Should Schools Establish Dress Codes?

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Should Schools establish dress codes?

There is much of controversy and debate surrounding the issue of dress code in schools. While some individuals argue that dress code is necessary and should be introduced, others strongly differ regarding the issue. My opinion is that dress code should not be established in schools because it limits students in terms of expressing their personality, self-identity, and non-verbal communication skills.

Arguments against a dress code

The essence of learning institutions is to inspire students to express their character and personality. By being allowed to choose their own way of dressing, students would be able to demonstrate their personality and communicate to others who they really are and what they stand for by the type of clothes they wear.

Dressing and clothing are some of the most important factors that define individual personality and self-identity. The choice of dressing defines an individual’s personal preference, which is important in strengthening their belief in what they are and stand for in life. By implementing a common dress code, students’ personality and self-identity is taken away thus creating a robot-like environment where students hide their true self in adhering to the prescribed dress code (Mayer, 2014).

The choice of individual dressing is an important communication skill that defines how a person views others and how they expect to be viewed and treated by others. The kind of clothing and attire won by people makes a statement that defines their social status. Giving students the freedom to dress the way they like enables them to modify and manage their first impression when interacting with their peers (Mayer, 2014).

In conclusion, Proponents of school dress code cite reasons such as

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