We knew that as the weather improved, we were once again going to be faced with an increasing amount of dress code issues and in an attempt to head this off, the Administrators spoke at our recent grade level meetings about our expectations. Recently we have become aware of an effort to organize a protest of some kind later this week that would include girls wearing overly revealing clothes. To attempt to head this off and/or make our position clear, I spoke with the Student Senate today, took input and answered questions related to this issue. I also wanted to make it clear to our entire community about our justifications, our expectations and the steps we will continue to take when issues arise.

As School Leaders, we have a responsibility for two important principles that impact student dress. The first is that we need to prepare students by creating a semi-professional atmosphere where staff and students are held to a reasonable standard of appearance. This responsibility extends into other areas of life and job skills as well, but appearance is clearly an important aspect of how you are seen in society and we have a role in preparing students for this. The second principle is the reality that clothing can be disruptive to the learning environment and we need to take steps to preserve it as sacred, as often as possible. This includes advertising/branding of alcohol or other drugs, explicit language, revealing clothing and more.

Definition: The Student Handbook that all students and families were given at the beginning of the school year includes the following language:

"DRESS AND APPEARANCE must not present health and safety problems or cause disruption. Some type of footwear must be worn. Any headwear in the classroom will be worn only with teacher approval. Short shorts and gym shorts are unacceptable attire. Revealing or disruptive clothing (flags, low rider pants, gang related insignia, marijuana leaf and/or any clothing that depicts or condones alcohol, illegal drugs or that states or implies an obscenity may not be worn at Ballard High School. Students will be required to change such clothing or be sent home."

We have been enforcing this policy throughout the year with both males and females. At our recent class meetings, we felt like we owed students a more specific definition of "revealing or disruptive clothing" and have defined it as:1. Shorts/Skirts must reach the mid-thigh/be finger tip length,2. Up to 2" of midriff is allowed and3. The chest cannot be overly revealing.This list is not exhaustive, but it includes the majority of the issues that we face when the sun comes out.

Consequences: At any point if a student is found to be in violation of any of these prohibited aspects of dress and appearance, an Administrator will speak with them privately to tell them what is inappropriate, ask if the student has clothing to cover the inappropriate clothing (if the issue is on a shirt, it can be turned inside out) and will keep it concealed at school. If they do not, we will offer used clothing to deal with it and if they still will not alleviate the offending item, they will be sent home and parent contact will be made. The student will be able to return once they have appropriate clothing. Further discipline for multiple offenses or Disobedience (D-130) could potentially result in further consequences, but we hope that it does not come to that.

I have heard concerns from some students that this standard is furthering "rape culture" by penalizing young women for the thoughts of young men, but I thoroughly disagree with this interpretation. Being distracted from learning is an involuntary process that students cannot fully stop on their own, where as students are FULLY responsible for their actions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.Keven WynkoopPrincipal, Ballard High School