I red both parts and I must say, that I agree, but only partially. Dress code can be sometimes too much. I see nothing bad in showing some collar bone or shoulder, wearing shorts or a skirt that isn't at a nun-length. However, and this is a big one, there is a limit how short is too short and how deep too deep of a cleavage is. In my country we have no specific dress code - t-shirt, skirt, tank-top - everything goes. Still, when we were in 5/6 grade there was the high-fashion of belt-skirts (basically barely covering your behind). I have to say, I found it quite shameful, since it made one look really like a paid night butterfly (if you catch my drift). Still, it was somewhat tolerated. Now, call me an old hag, but I don't find it appropriate for someone to wear a shirt where your boobs are about to fall out, or a skirt that is virtually absent. As for sun glasses - this was the only thing that was taboo for us at school... o.k., that and running shirtless in the school premises. And I support it. Showing your eyes during a conversation, and a class is supposed to be a form of conversation between teacher and students, is a show of respect. And being a boy and running shirtless... well as far as I could remember my school days, all of us girls had quite the raging hormones and were quite distracted by the occasional shirt getting accidentally lost during PE...
All in all, too strict dress code is stupid and laughable. But as much as clothes are a form of expressing yourself, school is not a fashion show. I find it sad if someone can not find another way to express themselves other than wearing something that barely passes as body-coverage.
I agree with your line of thought. I don't think that dress codes should be eliminated because I think that kids, considering that they're ages 13-18 and minors, should wear clothing that isn't super provocative. And like you said, students should be focusing on school and not clothing. However, the point of the articles is to criticize the instances in which a girl is wearing something that's completely appropriate, like leggings or a tank top, which aren't revealing at all, and yet she gets dress coded. I only mean to say that dress codes should be revised to be less strict and specific so that girls can dress comfortably and for the weather without having a tiny detail, like a bra strap momentarily showing, get them sent home. I understand why you would be bothered by a girl dressing in such a revealing way that you would actually be distracted. But you can't really control the way that others dress. Perhaps some girls like to show some skin to feel confident. I'm trying not to take sides or offend anyone because in the end, I just want dress codes to be gender neutral and a little less harsh.
All in all, too strict dress code is stupid and laughable. But as much as clothes are a form of expressing yourself, school is not a fashion show. I find it sad if someone can not find another way to express themselves other than wearing something that barely passes as body-coverage.
Thanks for sharing your perspective!