Searcy, AR (LP) – The definition of rule: one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing the conduct within a particular activity or sphere.  They’re a ton of people on this planet that have broken a rule. Either something that is small such as leaving the trash can near a curb to something major like speeding 120mph in a school zone. Rules were created to keep society safe and under control. Or at least that was the idea. Back in the 1950’s the style of clothing was pretty bizarre but was appropriate for it’s day and age. If someone wore that nowadays they’ll receive stares and offensive comments on their style, however that’s something that they can wear because they want to. Although there are some places where such clothing isn’t appropriate such as: a funeral, job interview or a memorial site. It should not interrupt or be a distraction in those events. A demonstration would be at school. Typically there is a handbook for every school and Searcy High School has their own Student Handbook.

It states in Section 4.25 on Student Dress and Grooming. “Students are prohibited from wearing, while on the school grounds during the school day and at school-sponsored events, clothing that exposes underwear, buttocks, or the breast of a female. This prohibition does not apply, however, to a costume or uniform worn by a student while participating in a school-sponsored activity or event.” As people on campus may know, there was a rebellion against the dress code. Many young women were upset and caused an uproar that got the attention of our administrators. Alexa Perex is an advocate of this uproar. Alexa has been going to Searcy School for her whole life and knows the customs of Searcy Schools. She said, “I was wearing a flannel that didn’t reveal my skin. I was walking out of the first lunch and was told by Mrs. Churchwell to cover my stomach that wasn’t even high. It kinda offended me and felt stupid that I get dress coded while there are guys that are wearing shorts above the knee. It’s not fair that a girl could be dress coded for having a small hole in their jeans and a guy could be sagging and showing their underwear. Girls are portrayed as a distraction when they express their own fashion and style.” Alexa wishes that girls should be viewed as guys: just normal. Unfortunately, women are more appealing when it comes to attraction and are fond when it comes to appearance. For decades fashion has influenced the minds of women. They go out shopping for accessories and clothing to show their friends and loved ones. Modern day fashion isn’t the issue.

The issue is young women and men wearing what they want in a facility where it’s not tolerated. Just ask Mr. Landers. He was assigned as the new assistant principal for discipline. He previously worked for Southwest Middle School for four years. He has been an administrator for seven years. He said, “Our policy is more lenient than those of other schools. I’m aware that we received criticism about our policy and everyone has their opinion. The dress code has been in effect for five years and I don’t think that it’s crazy. Anywhere you go in life there is going to be a dress code in some sort for most professions and employers have their own standard. There is a committee at the end of the year that consists of teachers, parents and students that review policies such as the dress code. That committee sets their wants and it moves up to scale from the superintendent to the school board but until then we are going to follow what the policy states.” The dress code does not result in any discipline consequences. He also stated, “The teacher would send the student to the principal and see if students’ attire is inappropriate and if deemed the student is told to go home and come back to campus with something appropriate. We send them home with the intention that they will return with different clothing.” This misconception started the uproar that people that are dress coded and sent home, which resulted in an unexcused absence if they do not return. These guidelines are engraved in stone and will continue to be enforced when necessary.