As the male students of Kingswood-Oxford Middle School come to school each day, they are dressed in their ties and khakis, fleeces and skirts. But if you were to spend some time around these “well dressed” students, you would notice something very odd, how girls seem to have more freedom in their choice of clothing. For example, the boys must wear ties and oxford shirts everyday from October to April, while the girls are only limited to shirts without writing, revealing clothing and inappropriate skirt length. Also on formal days the boys must wear jackets and dress shoes while the girls’ dress code barely changes. Most of the students (including girls) think it is unfair, but the administration has yet to do anything related to this matter. Many students have complained, but nothing has been done. Some teachers have an idea as to when any changes might be made. Some teachers believe that since there is a new head of school, Mr. Bisgaard, there could be some changes made in the near future.
The dress code is not only unfair in the way each gender is supposed to dress, but also to families with a lower income. For example, not all families can afford multiple pairs of khakis, oxford shirts, ties, and dress shoes. As a prep school Kingswod-Oxford is portrayed as a school where only wealthy family’s children attend, but that is not the case. Many students receive scholarships from the school, and many other students receive money from outside sources such as funds or other financial aid givers. As for now the students of Kingswood-Oxford Middle School will just have to live with it.
~ Nat Bedford
This article was written before the proposal for a new dress code was presented to students at the Middle School.