Dress code is a major issue in many schools. Nationwide, many students, usually female, feel that the dress code only serves to objectify their bodies and uphold antiquated values without taking into account the new generation.

Carlos Salazar, a senior at QHHS commented that the dress code “… enforces [the idea] that women are only objects that serve as a distraction for the male gaze.” Salazar is not alone in holding this viewpoint; for many people, the dress code is a central issue because of its ‘targeted’ audience. For example, most recently a Texas high school was thrust into news coverage when they showed a “sexist” dress code video that allegedly targeted only females, according to The New York Post. The topic of dress code has also spread to Quartz Hill High School in the wake of the 2018-2019 school year.

There has been a notable resurgence of dress code enforcement at Quartz Hill. The school website, qhhs.org, explains that “… all students are expected to maintain an appearance and attire which presents a favorable impression and which is appropriate for the workforce or career opportunities.” Previously, students were mostly policed for wearing baseball caps. However, with the new policy, baseball caps without inappropriate logos are instead allowed while tops are becoming more restricted. Countless female students are sent to the office if their top does not adhere to the following school guidelines: “All shirts and tops must cover the midriff at all times. The following are examples of clothing that is unacceptable: tank tops, strapless, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder, cut-out designs, low-cut shirts, bareback, sheer or mesh clothing that does not have an appropriate blouse or shirt underneath, etc.” Some students are hesitant to embrace the dress code, while others feel that there should at least be amendments to the policy.

Karina Patel, a senior at QHHS, commented, “I understand that the school needs to have some kind of formality when it comes to dress code, but the way they are going about it doesn’t make sense.”

Carlos Salazar also mentioned, “It gets extremely hot in the Antelope Valley, and some girls don’t want to be suffocated underneath a long sleeve top… However, I do understand that there should be some form of rules for dress code.”

It is evident that with the resurgence of dress code, there is also a resurgence of issues. Many students admit that there should be a policy, but that it should be reinvented to include factors like heat rather than gender. As the new administration settles into the campus, there is no doubt that they are making a worthy attempt to ensure the safety of the students. However, the question of whether or not the current dress code should be included in the new protocol is to be determined.